The International Gymnastics Federation will allow athletes from the Russian Federation to compete in a neutral status

The Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) will allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in a neutral status, says in a statement posted on the website of the sports organization.

“Any athlete wishing to be designated an Individual Neutral Athlete will have to apply to the FIG in accordance with specific rules. <...> Athletes who have received this status will be eligible to participate in FIG-sanctioned competitions from January 1, 2024,” the representative office clarified.

The federation’s statement emphasizes that although the decision made allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in qualifying competitions, the decision on their admission to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 will be made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In the coming weeks, the FIG will prepare and publish all the necessary documents.

On January 25, the IOC voted for the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions, subject to a neutral status. On March 28, the committee recommended that those athletes who did not publicly support the special operation in Ukraine and are not connected with the army and national security agencies be allowed to compete. In addition, they will be able to compete only in individual sports, the participation of teams from Russia and Belarus is not allowed.

The President of the Sports Committee Thomas Bach noted that the decision on the admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Olympic Games in Paris would be made by international sports federations. On July 18, the chairman of the organizing committee of the Olympic Games, Tony Estangue, announced that the IOC could decide on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the games in Paris in 2024 by autumn.