The International Equestrian Federation has lifted its ban on Russian athletes and officials after four and a half years.

Riders, horses and officials from Russia and Belarus have been prohibited from representing their countries under their national flags at FEI events since March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The international governing body will also allow events to be held in Russia as part of regulations that will come into effect on 5 October.

The move means participants from Russia and Belarus will no longer be required to compete as Neutral Individual Athletes.

The FEI’s decision comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in June that it would provisionally lift its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.

It means athletes from the region could potentially be cleared to represent Russia at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Following its announcement, the FEI said it would like to “take this opportunity to reiterate its support for the people of Ukraine”.