The International Gymnastics Federation allowed the Russians to compete in a neutral status

The Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in a neutral status. From January 1, 2024, athletes will be able to participate in competitions under the auspices of the FIG.

“By accepting Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to compete as independent neutral athletes, FIG ensures that the rights of all athletes are respected and sends a message to the world that gymnastics is committed to peace,” said FIG President Morinari Watanabe. press office federation.

To participate in competitions under the auspices of the FIG, Russian and Belarusian athletes must apply to the organization. The application will be considered in accordance with the rules containing the “requirements of neutrality”.

The message of the press service emphasizes that the decision on the participation of Russians and Belarusians in

Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024 remains with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The FIG reserves only anti-doping procedures prepared by the federation together with the International Testing Agency.

Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin said earlier today that Russian athletes would not sign a “declaration of neutrality”. “There is a red line – no one will sign any declarations condemning the SVO and so on,” the minister said (quoted from TASS). He added that Russian athletes would not take part in tournaments under such conditions.

13 July IOCinformedthat will not invite Russian and Belarusian athletes to the 2024 Olympic Games. On June 23, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution calling on the IOC to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the Olympics, even in a neutral status. According to PACE, this decision should be left in force until “as long as Russia’s aggressive war continues.” Before that, on March 28, the IOC Executive Board recommendedinternational federations to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes who do not support hostilities in Ukraine, but in a neutral status, to participate.

Read more in the publication “Kommersant” “He would be the IOC, but does not call”.

Polina Motyzlevskaya