The Latvian Parliament has passed amendments banning its national teams from competing against Russian and Belarusian squads in team sports. This includes even when these teams are competing under neutral colors.

The decision has caused dissatisfaction within the sports community and Latvia has taken radical steps in recent days. The amendments apply to all age categories and also prohibit organizers in Latvia from inviting Russian and Belarusian sports teams to events.

The main aim of these amendments is to express Latvian solidarity with Ukraine following the Russian attack in February 2022. Additionally, Latvia seeks to prevent any attempts to legitimize Russian crimes through sports.

The new rules do not apply to Olympic competition as the Latvian Olympic Committee has final authority on this matter. It’s worth noting that in Paris, Russians and Belarusians will not be able to field national teams in team sports, even under a neutral flag, as approved by the International Olympic Committee at the end of 2023.

The Olympic Games in Paris will begin on July 26, 2024, and will continue until August 11.