Athletes and officials from Russia or Belarus can still partake as neutrals in aquatic events, world swimming governing body FINA has said.
This directive is in contradiction to advice from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following the invasion of Ukraine.
“Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams,” said FINA.
“No national symbols, colours, flags should be displayed or anthems should be played in international aquatics events which are not already part of the respective World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions for Russia.”
It also said “the FINA Order awarded to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2014 has been withdrawn.”
FINA awarded the Order to Putin in October 2014, around 10 months after Russia annexed Crimea.
0(dpa/NAN)