The European Gymnastics Federation has reinstated the flag and anthem for athletes from Russia and Belarus
The Executive Committee of the European Gymnastics Federation has decided to lift restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus, restoring their right to compete under their national flags and anthems.
The European Gymnastics Federation announced this in an official press release.
The decision was made after the International Gymnastics Federation announced on May 18, 2026, the lifting of all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes and the termination of the temporary rules introduced following the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
The European Federation noted that a special online meeting of the Executive Committee took place on May 21.
“The European Gymnastics Federation will follow the decision of the International Gymnastics Federation to lift all restrictions applicable to the participation of Russia/Belarus, as the International Gymnastics Federation’s temporary rules are no longer in effect. This decision will be ratified at an extraordinary online general meeting to be held in the near future,” the statement reads.
Thus, Russian and Belarusian athletes will once again be able to compete in international tournaments using their national symbols.
In Europe, it was decided to postpone the full lifting of sanctions against athletes from Russia and Belarus in aquatic sports. Despite discussions of new rules, a return to full participation under the flags of these countries has not yet taken place. Currently, athletes continue to compete only under a neutral status, without national symbols.
United World Wrestling has decided to fully reinstate the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in international competitions. This means that representatives of both countries will be allowed to compete in tournaments without restrictions in all age categories.
