Russian and Belarusian athletes took a step closer to taking part in next year's Olympics in Paris after the top brass at the event's ruling body on Tuesday backed plans to allow them to compete in international competitions under a neutral flag.
The executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said a return was possible so long as the athletes have no links to the armed forces and do not wear national uniforms or symbols. If they were to win a medal, the Russian or Belarusian national anthem could not be played, IOC supremos added.
