WDSF Presidium Approves Operating Policy Amendments Concerning the Removal of Restrictions on Belarusian Participants

The WDSF Presidium has approved amendments to the WDSF Presidium Operating Policy regarding the Participation by Individual Neutral Athletes, Support Personnel and Officials Holding Russian Passports in WDSF Competitions, following the conclusion of the Presidium voting process. These amendments have been adopted to reflect the update and withdrawal of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board recommendations concerning Belarusian athletes.

In particular, the approved amendments reflect the IOC’s decision to lift the recommended conditions of participation and associated protective measures issued in 2022 and 2023 insofar as they relate to Belarus. As a result, the revised Operating Policy completely removes the neutrality regime and related participation restrictions previously applicable to Belarusian athletes, officials and related personnel.

Conversely, the approved amendments confirm that the existing restrictive framework, screening procedures, application requirements and related neutrality obligations remain fully applicable, without modification, to all participants holding Russian passports and Russian sporting nationality. In alignment with established guidance, competitions for youth and younger age categories remain governed by the conclusions of the 14th IOC Olympic Summit, while the screening and neutrality protocols of the Operating Policy continue to apply to all other categories.

Furthermore, the updated policy reflects that the IOC recommendation to refrain from organising or supporting international sports events is no longer applicable to Belarus, whilst remaining strictly applicable to the Russian DanceSport Union and occupied territories. These adjustments ensure clarity, consistency and legal certainty throughout the WDSF competition framework in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

WDSF remains fully committed to upholding Olympic values, safeguarding the integrity of DanceSport and ensuring fair, transparent and politically neutral conditions for all participants. Developments will continue to be monitored, and IOC guidance applied in accordance with established governance procedures.