# Restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/restrictions-on-russian-and-belarusian-athletes
> Updated: 2026-09-25T06:00:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Debates regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international sports have intensified following decisions by international bodies like FIBA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to lift certain bans. 

In Lithuania, the Seimas Speaker opposed allowing athletes from these nations to compete within the country. While the Lithuanian Ministry of Education, Science and Sport advised its own athletes against boycotting international events to avoid sanctions, it maintained that allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete sends “the wrong signal to the world” while the war in Ukraine continues.

On a broader scale, European Union member states are considering measures to restrict these athletes from competing under their national flags. Potential actions under discussion include targeted sanctions, visa restrictions, and reducing financial support for organizations that facilitate such participation. EU officials have indicated that participation in international sporting and cultural events should not be normalized until peace is established in Ukraine.

## Claims

- EU member states are considering measures to limit Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing under their national flags. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Proposed measures include targeted sanctions, visa restrictions, and potential funding cuts. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- EU officials are considering capping revenue from media rights. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The International Olympic Committee temporarily lifted the suspension of Russian and Belarusian Olympic Committees in July. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The IOC required athletes to compete without national flags or anthems at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- EU leaders agreed in June that Russia's participation in international sporting and cultural events should not be normalized until peace is reached in Ukraine. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: EU considers restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes

EU member states are discussing sanctions, visa restrictions, and funding cuts to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing under their national flags in international sports.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-considers-restrictions-on-russian-and-belarusian-athletes

### 2026-09-03: Lithuanian Seimas Speaker opposes Russian and Belarusian athletes

Lithuanian Seimas Speaker Jonas Olekas opposes allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in Lithuania, despite Ministry guidance for Lithuanian athletes to continue competing abroad.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuanian-seimas-speaker-opposes-russian-and-belarusian-athletes

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Cite as: Restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/restrictions-on-russian-and-belarusian-athletes