The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has lifted its four-and-a-half-year ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, allowing them to compete under their own flags again from 5 October. The restrictions had been in place since March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, during which time participants from the two countries were only permitted to compete as Neutral Individual Athletes. The decision marks a significant step in the gradual return of Russian sport to international competition and follows a similar move by the International Olympic Committee.

Under the new rules, events will also be permitted to be held in Russia again, and competitors will no longer face the neutral-athlete restrictions. The change follows the IOC's announcement in June that it would provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, potentially paving the way for Russian athletes to compete under their own flag at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The FEI said it wished to "reiterate its support for the people of Ukraine" alongside its announcement.