On 29 December 2025, the ISMF Council approved an update to the Criteria for the Participation of Russian and Belarusian Athletes in ISMF Competitions, following the latest recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) concerning youth athletes.
On 19 December 2025, the IOC Sports Department issued a communication, under the authority of the IOC Executive Board and endorsed by the Olympic Summit, stating:
“Youth athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport should no longer be restricted in their access to international youth competitions, in both individual and team sports. […] Youth athletes should be allowed to compete […] without additional IF eligibility requirements (such as background checks). Standard IF or event organiser protocols regarding flags, anthems, uniforms, and related elements should apply […]. Government officials from Russia or Belarus should not be accredited or invited to international sports events or meetings for both senior and youth competitions.”
In line with the mandate approved by the ISMF Plenary Assembly in 2023, which states that:
“The ISMF will follow and apply IOC recommendations concerning sanctions or similar restrictions on ISMF National Members (or similar bodies) and athletes”, the ISMF has updated its internal framework accordingly.
Key Changes Now in Effect:
- Youth athletes from Russia who meet ISMF’s age and eligibility criteria may participate in all ISMF international youth competitions, including team events such as the Mixed Relay.
- Youth athletes are no longer subject to AIN (Individual Neutral Athlete) licensing requirements.
- Standard ISMF flag, anthem and uniform protocols apply where the athlete’s National Member Federation is in good standing.
- The AIN framework remains in place for senior athletes only, without change.
- Belarus is not a current ISMF National Member and is referenced only in the scope of the IOC recommendation.
The revised criteria and relevant supporting documents are now published on the ISMF website.
📄 Access the updated AIN Criteria and IOC letter here
