Russian and Belarusian athletes will not take part in the opening ceremony at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, says the International Olympic Committee.

Athletes from both countries were banned following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

However, athletes from Russia and Belarus who qualify for the Games can compete as neutrals.

A decision on them being part of the closing ceremony will be taken at a later date.

The IOC said they would not be part of the opening ceremony “since they are individual athletes, but an opportunity will be provided for them to experience the event”.

So far,