IOC bars Russia from 2018 Winter Games

GENEVA - The International Olympic Committee said on Tuesday that Russia is banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics set for February in Pyeongchang, South Korea, over doping concerns.

The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee with immediate effect, but Russian athletes will be able to compete in Pyeongchang in uniforms bearing the name "Olympic Athlete from Russia" under the Olympic flag, and the Olympic anthem will be played at their award ceremonies.

Organizers of the Pyeongchang Olympics have issued a statement saying they accept and respect the IOC's decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under a neutral flag.