After nine months of consultations with Paralympians and other Para athletes, the IPC Athletes' Council briefed the Governing Board on its recommendations for a rule on demonstrations, similar to the International Olympic Committee's Rule 50 relaxation.

These measures were approved by the Board and will now be implemented for Tokyo 2020.

Athletes will be allowed to make political statements, protests and demonstrations in the mixed zone, press conferences, media interviews, team meetings, in the International Broadcasting Centre or the Main Media Centre, and on social media.

Any demonstrations on social media must not be made while the participant is on the field of play or during a medal ceremony, however.

Crucially, protests or demonstrations remain banned on the field of play, medal ceremonies and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

At the Olympic Games, several football teams have taken the knee on the field of play before kick-off as an anti-racism gesture - but this would be banned under the IPC's updated rules.

After the Games, the IPC Governing Board and Athletes' Council have pledged to evaluate the measures, which can be adjusted in time for Beijing 2022.

"I would like to thank all athletes who contributed their views to the nine-month long consultation," said IPC Athletes' Council chairperson Chelsey Gotell. 

"The exercise came at a critical time for the athlete community, where the voices of Para athletes have been incredibly influential in sparking and shifting the dialogue on social injustices faced by fellow citizens of the world.

"The IPC Governing Board has stuck to its word throughout this entire process and been extremely supportive. 

"I am pleased that several of the IPC Athletes’ Council recommendations will be implemented for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and that there is a firm commitment from the Board to look at what measures can be introduced for future Games from Beijing 2022 onwards."

Opinions from 489 athletes from 27 sports were taken into account, according to the IPC.

The majority agreed the ban should remain in place for medal presentations, the field of play and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, it is reported.

IPC Athletes' Council recommendations included increased communication across IPC channels for athlete expression, developing demonstration and speaking opportunities for athletes within designated areas of the Paralympic Village at future Games, and to develop a sanction protocol while including former Paralympians on such a panel.

IPC President Andrew Parsons added: "Twelve months ago, the IPC Governing Board stated that the IPC Athletes’ Council’s consultation was an opportunity for us to listen and learn from the athlete community.

"It has been an extremely worthwhile experience and we are grateful to the Athletes’ Council for undertaking such a thorough consultation.

"We now have several clear recommendations on what the athlete community would like to see changed and what they would like to remain the same with regards to the existing rule.

"Due to the close proximity of Tokyo 2020, not all recommendations can be implemented in time for this edition of the Games, but we are fully committed to working with the Athletes’ Council to develop the right governance structures that support athletes in the long-term."