World Sailing, the world governing body for the sport of sailing, has reconfirmed its position on the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, as anticipation for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics gathers pace.

Members of the World Sailing Council recently gathered for the mid-year meeting of the World Sailing Board, with the issue of Russian and Belarusian participation in sailing high on the meeting’s agenda.

All council members attending the mid-year meeting as elected representatives of World Sailing’s Member National Authorities were given the opportunity to offer their region’s view. Although there was no formal vote, the council reports there was “very clear majority support” for maintaining World Sailing’s current position in relation to the return to international competition for athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus. The current position allows sailors with a Russian or Belarusian passport to return to international competition, including Paris 2024 qualifiers, as neutral athletes.

The decision falls in line with guidance for International Federations from the International Olympic Committee.

In a statement, World Sailing confirms: “After considering all views expressed in the meeting by World Sailing Council Members, the board has agreed the following:

  • The board continues to support the IOC’s guidance and the Fundamental Principles of Olympism in the Olympic Charter; and equally the key principles of non-discrimination of athletes, and the separation of sport and politics highlighted by both the IOC Executive Board and ASOIF Council. The board recognises that the Fundamental Principles of Olympism inform the IOC’s recommendation to allow the return of Russian and Belarusian competitors as individual neutral athletes.
  • Given the timing of the return is a matter for the International Federations, the board’s decision remains consistent: April 2024 is the targeted opportunity for sailors with a Russian or Belarusian passport to return to international competition as neutrals. With regards to Olympic qualification, the Semaine Olympique Française (SOF), is an event at this time and presents opportunities for sailors with a Russian or Belarusian passport to compete as individual neutrals in qualifying for Paris 2024.
  • World Sailing remains wholly committed to supporting Ukraine’s sailing community through what continues to be an unimaginably difficult time.”

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