Italy is currently deliberating on a proposal that would suspend visas for technical and medical staff accompanying Russian and Belarusian Paralympic athletes. This measure comes in light of Russia's announcement that 23 of its athletes will compete unfettered under their national flag and anthem, despite current restrictions on their participation in team sports. The shift to allow individual competitions has been met with mixed reactions, especially concerning the support required for these athletes during events.

According to reports from 'La Repubblica', Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani put forward this proposal during a joint meeting with the Italian Ministry of Sports, highlighting the need to ensure that these athletes’ accompanying personnel would not enter Italy. This has raised alarms regarding the welfare of the athletes, as many rely on specialized staff for training and competition. The discourse surrounding this decision reflects broader tensions and implications regarding international sports diplomacy amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

The proposal has not garnered unanimous support within the Italian government. Agricultural Minister Francesco Lollobrigida has urged caution, emphasizing the importance of avoiding any form of discrimination in international relations. As discussions continue, the possibility of enforcing such a visa suspension remains uncertain, reflecting the complexities of balancing sportsmanship, international law, and national sentiments.