Gymnastics Federation – against the IOC recommendations for the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus
The International Gymnastics Federation (Federation Internationale de Gymnastique, FIG) does not yet intend to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under the auspices of this sports association. This decision was taken during a two-day meeting of the FIG Executive Committee in Antalya, which ended on Saturday 13 May. The federation will continue to study the situation and may reconsider the measures taken in early March, added the FIG.
Meanwhile, FIG President Morinari Watanabe had already defended the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions. “I stand up for all gymnasts in the world as a family. That’s why I support Ukrainian gymnasts and that’s why I stand for the right to participate in competitions for gymnasts from Russia and Belarus who are not participating in the war (Russia vs Ukraine – Ed.)”, – quotes agency Watanabe dpa.
On March 28, the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that federations allow Belarusian and Russian athletes to participate in international competitions with neutral status. Among the conditions – a performance without a flag and anthem and only at individual competitions. In addition, these athletes must not have ties with the Russian or Belarusian army, with the power structures and security agencies of these countries. The IOC’s position caused a wave of outrage in the world of sports and politics.
Source: DW
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