It's official. Russia is not allowed to attend the 2023 European Games

Athletes from Russia and Belarus were not allowed to participate in the 2023 European Games. The official decision was made by the press service of the European Olympic Committee (EOC).

The European Games are scheduled to take place in Krakow, Poland, from June 21 to July 2.

"Russian and Belarusian athletes will not compete at the 2023 European Games in any capacity - neither under the flag nor as 'neutral'. As there are less than 40 days left before the start of the competition, this decision will not change," the EOC said in a statement cited by Insidegame.

Last month, the IOC ruled that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed to return to the world sports scene in neutral status, provided they do not support the war in Ukraine and are not affiliated with the armed forces.

The 2023 European Games in Poland are a continental qualification for the Olympic Games in the French capital.

The opening and closing ceremonies will take place at the Tauron Arena Krakow stadium.

On April 27, Polish Minister of Sport Kamil Bortniczuk did not rule out the possibility of Russians and Belarusians taking part in the event, but with one condition. They would have to issue a statement condemning the war in Ukraine and the crimes committed by the Russian army there

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