Russians and Belarusians will compete as neutrals at the Paris Paralympic Games

He International Paralympic Committeein the General Assembly held this Friday in Manama (Bahrain), decided “partially suspended” the National Committees of Russia and Belarus for “failing to fulfill their constitutional obligations as members” though its athletes will compete in the Paris 2024 Games individuals as neutrals.

IPC members voted 90-56 – with six abstentions – in favor of a motion to partially suspend Russia’s CNP and 79-57 in favor of partially suspending Belarus’s CNP (with nine members abstaining). . This decision was made after members initially voted against a motion to fully suspend the NPC of Russia by 74-65 (with 13 abstentions) and Belarus by 74-56 (with 15 abstentions). For a motion to be approved, a result of half and one of all votes is required.

As a result of the decision of the General Assembly, Membership rights of the CNP of Russia and the CNP of Belarus were suspended for two yearsthis period is subject to a new review at the next ordinary General Assembly.

The exception to this penalty is lying to their athletes and support staff, who will be eligible to participate in an individual and neutral capacity (no teams) in the Paralympic Games, World and Regional Championships and sanctioned competitions in the six sports for which the IPC acts as the international federation. In each case, this is subject to athletes and support staff meeting the conditions of participation established by the IPC Governing Board.

The CNP of Russia is also not authorized to organize any sporting event or competition in which other members of the International Paralympic Committee participate.

The decision of the IPC members to partially suspend the CNPs of Russia and Belarus is due to their inability to fulfill their obligations as members, according to the 2011 and 2022 versions of the IPC Statutes that govern the activities of CNP.

Under the 2011 IPC Statutes, which cover activities up to and including August 23, 2022, obligations include “ensuring the organizational success of the Games, promoting Paralympic sport without discrimination on political grounds, ensuring that , in the sport practiced in the Paralympic movement , the spirit of fair play prevails, violence is prohibited, the risk to the health of athletes is managed and basic ethical principles are respected.

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

The Brazilian Andrew Parsonspresident of the International Paralympic Committee, said that in making its decision, the General Assembly received evidence from both committees “before a lengthy debate took place.”

“This gave the IPC members an opportunity to share their views on this issue. Since this is a decision made by the IPC General Assembly, I hope that all IPC members will fully respect it. With this decision I hope that The focus in preparing for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games can now be focused on the sport and the performances of the athletes,” said Parsons.

Prior to the IPC General Assembly’s decisions on partial suspension, IPC members first considered full suspension by both Committees. IPC members voted 74-65 (with 13 abstentions) against a motion to fully suspend the Russian CNP, while the vote against fully suspending the Belarusian CNP was 74-56 (with 15 abstention).

Both the CNP of Russia and Belarus now have the right to appeal decisions of the IPC General Assembly to the independent IPC Court of Appeal. If the appeal is not accepted, the suspension will remain in place until a new review at the 2025 IPC General Assembly.