The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the body has decided not to issue formal invitations to Russia and Belarus for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, over the war in Ukraine.

In a statement on Thursday, the Olympic body said for the invasion of Ukraine, the game “will exclude the NOCs of Russia and Belarus, plus the NOC of Guatemala, which is currently suspended.”

According to tradition, the IOC would officially send invitations to member countries a year before summer or the Winter Olympic Games.

The IOC said it will on July 26 officially send invitations to the eligible 203 National Olympic Committees (NOC).

Although Belarus has not actively participated in the Russian war in Ukraine, Minsk has openly supported and provided military assistance to Moscow.

The NOC of Guatemala is also excluded from the invitation, which is currently suspended over government interference in the affairs of the ought-to-be independent body.

Consequently, athletes from both countries cannot participate in the Paris Games under the banner of Russia and Belarus. However, some Russian and Belarusian athletes can still participate as neutral individuals.

“The IOC will take this decision at the appropriate time, at its full discretion, and without being bound by the results of previous Olympic qualification competitions,” the body said to avoid inviting athletes considered as neutrals from the two countries.