IBU ban Russian and Belarusian insignia, allow athletes to compete under neutral insignia

Updated 26/02/2022 at 16:02 GMT

The International Biathlon Union have announced that they will not allow Russia and Belarus to be represented at future IBU and World Cup events, in response to the Russian and Belarusian invasion of Ukraine. Instead athletes from the two countries will be termed 'neutral' and compete under IBU flags, with neutral outfits and no national anthems for any medal winners.

Alexander Loginov of Team ROC competes during Men's Biathlon 4x7.5km Relay on Day 11 of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at National Biathlon Centre on February 15, 2022 in Zhangjiakou, China.

Image credit: Getty Images

The IBU have chosen to ban representation of Russian and Belarusian symbols at forthcoming events, but will allow athletes to compete.

Instead of competing under their national status they will be present as neutral athletes, and face a number of restrictions.

On Twitter the IBU released a statement, saying:

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"The IBU will not allow representation of Russia & Belarus at its remaining World Cup & IBU Cup events. However, the IBU will invite individual athletes from these nations to compete as neutral athletes. The measures include but are not limited to:

"No Russian or Belarussian flags, symbols or national emblems can be displayed at the the venue. Instead of the countries’ flags the IBU flag shall be displayed.

"The Russian and Belarussian team clothing incl. Competition suits shall be neutral in colors and design and not display any national emblem or flag

"The Russian and Belarussian anthem will not be played at IBU events

"The Neutral athletes and relays cannot score Nation Cup or Relay Score points"

The news comes as other sporting events pull out of Russia or declare that Russian participants will not take part over the coming months.

Biathlon