Headlines
Climbing-Russia and Belarus resinstated to World Climbing Federation
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 23, 2026
Quick Summary
World Climbing reinstated the Russian and Belarusian federations suspended since March 2022. Athletes may compete as neutrals, and no international events will be held in Russia or Belarus for now.
World Climbing Reinstates Russia, Belarus; Athletes Stay Neutral
Reinstatement and Participation Rules
Feb 23 (Reuters) - The Russia and Belarus federations have been reinstated to World Climbing following their suspension in March 2022, but athletes will continue to compete under neutral flags, officials said on Monday.
Olympic Context: LA28
The World Climbing Executive Board made the decision to reinstate the federations of the two countries ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles having suspended them following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago.
Neutral Athletes Policy
"The decision, that has been communicated to all World Climbing National Federations, lifts the suspension placed on the Russian (CFR) and Belarusian Federations (BACF), while maintaining the following provisions," World Climbing said in a statement.
Decision Communication to Federations
"To allow the participation of athletes and team officials with Russian and Belarusian passports in international competitions under the Neutral Athletes Policy in place.
Event Hosting Restrictions
"To not allow the organisation of international events in Russia and Belarus until further notice."
Leadership Commentary
World Climbing president Marco Scolaris told Reuters in a July 2024 interview that he believes athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments.
"Some say sport should not be politicised, but I think we should have a political stand, being that we are neutral. We need to protect the athletes of the world," he said.
"That doesn’t mean we don’t say the Russians did something that is unacceptable, but if we do (punish) athletes then we must apply the same standards to many other countries in the world."
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Nick Said, editing by Ed Osmond)
Key Takeaways
- •World Climbing has lifted the suspensions of the Russian and Belarusian federations imposed in March 2022.
- •Athletes from both countries can compete only under neutral status with no flags or anthems.
- •No international climbing events will be hosted in Russia or Belarus until further notice.
- •The decision aligns with a broader trend of selective reintegration ahead of the LA28 Olympic cycle.
- •Leadership underscores protecting athletes while maintaining restrictions on national representation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Climbing-Russia and Belarus resinstated to World Climbing Federation
1What is the main topic?
World Climbing has reinstated the Russian and Belarusian federations after their 2022 suspension. Athletes from both countries can return to competition only under neutral status.
2Will Russian and Belarusian athletes compete under their flags?
No. They must participate under a neutral designation with no national flags, anthems, or team representation permitted.
3Are events returning to Russia or Belarus?
Not at this time. World Climbing says no international events will be organized in Russia or Belarus until further notice.
