World Aquatics ends neutral rule for Russia and Belarus

World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 13 (AP): The governing body for international swimming and aquatic sports will allow athletes from Russia to compete without restrictions, with their national flag and anthem.

World Aquatics said Monday it will remove restrictions that had required Russian and Belarusian athletes to be vetted and to compete under neutral status.

"Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems,” World Aquatics said in a statement. It had previously relaxed the rules for junior athletes.

World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam added: "We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition.”

World Aquatics oversees sports such as swimming, diving, and water polo and is an influential voice in the Olympic movement.

Its decision applies only to its own events, such as the world championships, but could add momentum in the Olympic world for a full return of Russian athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

There was no immediate response to a request for comment from the International Olympic Committee.

In December, the IOC recommended removing restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes for international youth events and allowing them to compete under their national flags. The IOC still kept its neutral requirements for senior competitions and Russians, and Belarusians were officially referred to as "Individual Neutral Athletes” at the Winter Olympics in February.