European Gymnastics has lifted sanctions against Russians and Belarusians: allowed to compete with flags and anthems
After a 48-hour vote, the changes must still be ratified by an extraordinary online General Assembly, and the decision applies to all disciplines under the federation's aegis
The European Gymnastics federation, after a 48-hour vote, lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes and allowed them to participate in international tournaments under their national flags and with the playing of national anthems.
The organization’s press service announced the decision, emphasizing that the preventive measures of World Gymnastics, introduced earlier, are no longer applied following the decision of 18 May.
According to media, for the changes to take effect they must be ratified at an extraordinary online meeting of the General Assembly of European Gymnastics.
It is reported that since mid‑May World Gymnastics has allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete without the restrictions that had been in place since the start of the full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, including the use of state symbols in all disciplines and international events held under the organization’s aegis.
The lifting of sanctions applies to all disciplines under the continental federation: artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, acrobatic gymnastics and aerobic gymnastics.
Prior to the current decision, participation of representatives from Russia and Belarus in competitions was limited by a set of rules introduced after the start of the full‑scale aggression against Ukraine, including a ban on state symbols and other protective measures.
The press service of European Gymnastics emphasized that the changes in approach were prompted by updated guidelines from World Gymnastics and align the continental body’s policy with decisions of the global governing body.
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