Russian athletes will be able to compete as neutrals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

He International Paralympic Committee (ICC)at the General Assembly held this Friday in Bahrain, decided to “partially suspend” the Russian National Paralympic Committee for “failure to comply with its constitutional obligations as a member”, although its athletes will be able to compete in the Paris 2024 Games on an individual basis as neutrals.

CPI members voted 90-56 - there were six abstentions - in favor of a motion to partially suspend the Russian National Committee. This decision was made after members initially voted against a motion to suspend Russia entirely by 74-65 (with 13 abstentions). For a motion to be approved, a result of half plus one of all the votes cast was required.

As a result of the decision of the General Assembly, the rights as a member of the CNP of Russia are suspended for two years, this period being subject to a new evaluation at the next ordinary General Assembly.

The exception to this sanction lies in its athletes and support staff, who will be eligible to participate in an individual and neutral capacity in the Paralympic Games, World and Regional Championships and sanctioned competitions in the six sports for which the IPC acts as an international federation. In each case, this is subject to athletes and support staff meeting the conditions of participation established by the IPC Governing Board.

Russia is also not authorized to organize any sporting event or competition involving other members of the International Paralympic Committee.

The decision by the ICC members to partially suspend Russia is due to its inability to fulfill its obligations as a member, according to the 2011 and 2022 versions of the ICC Statutes governing the activities of the Paralympic committees.

According to the 2022 IPC Statutes, which cover activities from August 24, 2023, continuing obligations include “to be neutral and impartial in political matters, to respect, support and promote the objectives of the IPC and to do nothing (by action or omission) that is contrary to its purpose or objectives.”

Russia now has the right to appeal the decision of the ICC General Assembly to the independent Court of Appeal. If the appeal is not accepted, the suspension will remain in place until re-evaluation at the 2025 CPI General Assembly.

(With information from EFE)