July 24, 2025
2 minutes reading time
World Sailing Council approves amended neutrality policy
World Sailing’s Council met on Wednesday 23 July 2025 to discuss and vote on a range of proposals including an amended neutrality policy for Russian and Belarussian sailors, support personnel and race officials.
In March 2022 World Sailing joined the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and global sports organisations in suspending participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and race officials in World Sailing owned and sanctioned competitions and events until further notice.
The World Sailing Board met on 23 July 2025 to review the decision and determined that there was no material change in the circumstances giving rise to the suspensions and that they would therefore remain in place until the next review which will be on or before the 23 October 2025. This includes the suspension of the participation of any boat owned or effectively controlled or managed by a Russian or Belarusian individual or entity.
However, following today’s vote, Russian and Belarussian sailors, support personnel and race officials will be permitted to participate as neutrals in World Sailing owned and sanctioned competitions and events, in line with IOC guidance. Boats owned by individuals who are sailing as neutrals under the World Sailing Neutrality Policy are also permitted.
The policy was supported with 29 votes for, five against, with two abstentions.
Participation of athletes with dual nationalities and those applying for a Residence Certificate after being resident in a new country for over three years will still be processed in accordance with the World Sailing Eligibility Code. Council also voted to take no action in relation to Russian and Belarussian administrators who are permitted to take up places on World Sailing Council, Committees, Sub Committees, Commissions.
Recommendations from the Events Committee were approved on the boat quota, qualification system and qualifiers for the LA28 Olympic Games as well as significant steps aimed at improving the global appeal of the sport including competition format, presentation and terminology, the communication of race decisions, reduced complexity.
In other decisions, Council approved interim changes to the officials appointments process for all World Sailing Events in the 2026 calendar year. The temporary measure means officials will be appointed by the World Sailing executive office, subject to the World Sailing Board.