The World Rowing Federation (Fisa) has decided to re-admit athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports for the World Championships in Belgrade at the beginning of September under strict conditions.
Accordingly, some athletes from these countries are allowed to start as neutral athletes in a limited number of boat classes. “The eligibility of these athletes will be determined based on a number of criteria, including a background check to ensure they are in no way associated with, or publicly support, the war in Ukraine,” Fisa said in a statement.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, the World Rowing Federation followed the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the time to suspend the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions until further notice. At the end of March 2023, the IOC recommended that international sports federations and organizers of international sports events examine how they can approve the readmission of Russian and Belarusian athletes under strict conditions.
Rolland: “Perceive the role as a bridge builder”
After consultation with the member associations, this prompted the FISA to decide not only to re-admit to the World Championships, but also to the U23 World Championships, U19 World Championships and the Coastal Rowing World Championships. “I believe that in the face of an extremely complex situation, we have found a solution that allows rowing to fulfill its role as a bridge builder between people and nations,” said World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland. According to the world association, further information on the implementation of the decision will be announced in due course.