IOC reinstates Russia's Olympic membership, says country

The head of Russia's Olympic Committee (ROC) has claimed that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reinstated his organisation's membership.

President of the Russian Olympic Committee Alexander Zhukov in comments broadcast on state TV, said, "The Russian Olympic Committee has had its rights fully restored. It's a decision of the utmost importance for us," reported the Guardian.

"I would like to thank our athletes who were able to perform well even despite the provocations. I thank the fans who did not cross the line and what could result in sanctions. Today's IOC's decision is very important for us. The ROC is an absolutely full-fledged member of the Olympic family," the ROC chief added.

Russia was prohibited from February's Pyeongchang Winter Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over state-sponsored doping, saying it had found evidence of an "unprecedented systematic manipulation" of the anti-doping system.

They were allowed to compete in the Games under a neutral flag.

Two of the 168 athletes competing as Olympic Athletes from Russia in South Korea tested positive for banned substances.

However, the IOC is yet to officially announce the news.