UIPM official statement: Pathway to competition for athletes with Russia and Belarus passports

The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) today announces its full support for a structured return to UIPM Sports competitions for individual athletes with Russia and Belarus passports, based on the recommendations for International Federations published by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 28, 2023.

UIPM reaffirms its unwavering support for the athletes of Ukraine and their communities, who have suffered so terribly as a consequence of the invasion of their country by Russia, supported by Belarus. Our determination to help and comfort the Ukrainian Modern Pentathlon community, especially in supporting athletes who continue to train and compete outside of their homeland, is the same as it was at the time of the invasion in February 2022. UIPM will continue to review this support and react any time there is an opportunity to do more. 

UIPM supports the pathway of a return of ‘independent neutral athletes’ with Russia and Belarus passports to allow athletes of all nationalities to compete together in our sports, in line with the Olympic Charter and especially the principle of non-discrimination. It is our firm belief that sport should be politically neutral and now, more than ever, must act as a vehicle for peace and a symbol of solidarity between athletes. UIPM will now work to develop the necessary independent review processes to facilitate the return of these athletes, in consultation with the IOC and the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF).

Following a vote of approval by the UIPM Executive Board (EB) during its meeting on April 19:

1. UIPM will follow the IOC recommendations published on March 28 as mentioned above;
2. UIPM will set up an independent panel to review athlete eligibility based on criteria to be established by the EB in collaboration with the IOC, as well as timings for the opening of the pathway in respect of the UIPM Sports competition calendar, and any other relevant aspects.