WDSF, WMSC Lift Restrictions on Russian Athletes
The World Federation of Dance Sport, formerly the International Federation of Dance Sport, is the international governing body for dance sport, recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
Consensus
- The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has lifted all restrictions on Russian athletes.
- Russian athletes can now participate in WDSF events under their national flag and anthem.
- The decision to lift restrictions applies to athletes with Russian passports or sports citizenship.
- The change follows the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) July 2026 decision to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee and recommend lifting sanctions.
- The WDSF has ceased applying neutral athlete statuses (AIN/OIN) and related procedures such as declarations and additional checks.
- The decision took effect immediately.
- The World Motor Sports Council (WMSC) has also lifted restrictions on Russian athletes, allowing participation under the national flag and anthem.
- The IOC's decision to restore the Russian Olympic Committee was based on the removal of regional Olympic bodies under Ukrainian jurisdiction, including those from occupied territories.
Points of divergence
- The decision by WMSC and WDSF followed an official IOC Executive Board resolution dated July 7, 2026. — fontanka
- The IOC's decision was based on the fact that the Russian Olympic Committee no longer includes regional organizations under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee, specifically referencing 'DNR' and 'LNR' in October 2023. — tg_govorit_nemoskva
- Some federations, such as the World Curling Federation (WCF), have extended their bans, citing concerns about competition integrity. — vedomosti
- The World Boxing Federation (World Boxing) also lifted restrictions on Russian athletes on July 30, with a note on strict monitoring of behavior and anti-doping compliance. — vm
Coverage (12 sources)
- Neutral status is being revoked. WDSF and WMSC have lifted restrictions on Russian athletes — Фонтанка
- WDSF allowed Russians to participate in dance competitions under their own flag — Вести
- World Federation of Dance Sport and World Motor Sport Council lifted all sanctions against Russians. — Первый Московский
- World Federation of Dance Sports lifted restrictions on Russians — Коммерсантъ
- Everyone is dancing! — Говорит НеМосква
- World Federation of Dance Sports lifted restrictions on Russians — Ведомости
- World Federation of Dance Sports lifted all restrictions on Russians. — РИА Новости (Telegram)
- World Federation of Dance Sports lifted restrictions on Russians — Коммерсантъ
- World Federation of Dance Sports lifted restrictions on Russians — Вечерняя Москва
- World Federation of Dance Sports lifted all restrictions on Russian athletes, reports WDSF. — ТАСС (Telegram)
- World Federation of Dance Sports lifted all restrictions on Russians. — РИА Новости (Telegram)
- World Federation of Dance Sports has lifted restrictions on Russians — Москва 24