Russian, Belarusian Athletes Not Allowed To Participate In European Games

Organisers of the European Games have confirmed that athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to take part in the event scheduled for June 21-July 2 in Krakow, Poland.

The decision was made in October by the European Olympic Committees in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The European Games also serve as qualifiers for next year’s Paris Olympics in some sports.

On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) proposed to re-admit individual athletes from both countries to international sports events, under strict eligibility criteria as neutral athletes.

However, the European Games organizers stated that their position "remains unchanged" following the IOC proposal.

The IOC has yet to decide whether Russians and Belarusians will be allowed to compete in the Games.