RUSSIAN athletes have been given the green light to return to major competition after the International Olympic Committee announced it will provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).

The move ends an effective ban imposed in October 2023 in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, during which time the Russian flag and anthem has been absent from Olympic events and only a small number of heavily vetted Russian athletes have been allowed to compete as neutrals.

Despite the provisional lifting of the suspension, the IOC stressed it is yet to reach a decision in relation to the restoration of protocols including the display of the Russian flag, anthem and colours.

The IOC said it had made its decision after being satisfied that the ROC does not operate in any territories deemed disputed since the invasion, and that it ensures that athletes’ selection must include a commitment to “respect, uphold, and promote a peaceful society.”

IOC president Kirsty Coventry said: “We made it clear that we wanted to ensure that all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government’s actions, and I believe that is what this decision speaks to.

“It allows for Russian athletes to take part in sport competitions but we’ve also been clear that we do not condone any violence and war around the world, and we will continue with that stance.”