World Rowing has confirmed that athletes holding Russian and Belarusian passports will be allowed to compete as neutral athletes in rowing events in 2025, following the Executive Committee’s decisions in 2023 and 2024. This measure is part of a strict set of eligibility criteria aimed at ensuring neutrality and safety in competitions. Athletes will compete without flags, anthems, or any form of national recognition, maintaining an absolute principle of neutrality.

The conditions for participation will remain similar to the previous year, with a focus on safety and anti-doping controls. Background checks will be conducted if necessary, and an enhanced anti-doping testing process will be implemented by the International Testing Agency (ITA). Regarding boat classes, permitted events will include individual and double competitions in various World Cups and World Championships, while certain events, such as the 8+, will be excluded.

A STRICT FRAMEWORK FOR PARTICIPATION

The 2025 World Rowing Cups, held in Varese (Italy) and Lucerne (Switzerland), will allow neutral athletes to compete in the 1x, 2-, and 2x events, while the Under-19 World Championship in Trakai (Lithuania) and the Under-23 Championship in Poznan (Poland) will include all categories except the 8+. Additionally, the World Rowing Championship in Shanghai and the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Rio will also feature competitions for neutral athletes. However, Russian or Belarusian clubs will not be allowed to participate in the World Rowing Masters Regatta.

This approach seeks to balance the inclusion of athletes not directly involved in the current conflict with the need to maintain a safe and fair competitive environment. The decision reflects World Rowing’s ongoing efforts to adapt to changing circumstances while focusing on the global development of the sport.