The IBU Executive Board said that the RBU must distance itself from the conflict in Ukraine in order to restore membership in the organization

The Executive Committee of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) has decided to extend the suspension of the membership of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) and the Belarusian Biathlon Federation (BFB) until certain conditions are met, according to the IBU website.

On Tuesday, the organization’s executive committee recommended to the IBU congress that the suspension of the membership of the RRF and BSE be extended until “they demonstrate their full commitment to support and promote the goals and principles of the IBU.” The IBU demands that the organizations and their representatives distance themselves from the conflict in Ukraine, and also prevent any participation of officials and athletes in the actions of the Russian army. The Executive Committee also expects Congress to extend the suspension of Russian and Belarusian biathletes from competitions under the auspices of the IBU until further notice “in order to protect the safety of athletes and preserve the integrity of IBU competitions.”

“The Board will monitor the implementation of the above conditions and may temporarily lift the suspension until the next Congress if it considers that the conditions have been met,” the message says.

The membership of the RBU and BSE in the organization was suspended in March of this year after the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in tournaments due to the situation in Ukraine.

The IBU Congress will take place in Salzburg (Austria) from 15 to 18 September.