(Sports news) Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee suspended Russia and Belarus in November 2022. However, the two countries have now appealed that decision and the IPC will reconsider at September’s general assembly. The appeal will be presented with full information and evidence to the tribunal, including any new information that wasn’t present when the original decision was made by the IPC.

Russian and Belarusian athletes were not allowed to compete as neutrals at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing in March 2022 and they remain banned from world and regional championships. This includes the World Para Athletics Championship which will take place in Paris from 8th to 17th July. IPC president Andrew Parsons said: “We believe that our actions taken to call the 2022 extraordinary general assembly in Berlin and allow every member the chance to present their views on these important matters fulfilled our obligations under our rules. 

“Our independent appeals tribunal decided differently, which is a decision we certainly respect, but disagree with. As we have already committed to do, we will bring these matters back to our general assembly later this year, follow the appeal tribunal’s directions by presenting the additional evidence we have since acquired, and give our members the opportunity to decide these important matters.”

Also read: Atanu, Mehuli re-included in TOPS; young shooter Tilottama Sen also in TOPS Development Group