The International Gymnastics Federation FIG is maintaining the exclusion of sanctioned athletes from Russia and Belarus for the time being. Vasily Titov, president of the Russian gymnasts and member of the FIG executive, told the state news agency Tass. The FIG itself subsequently confirmed the surprising decision.
World Federation President Morinari Watanabe had indicated for the meeting of the FIG executive on Friday and Saturday in Turkey that he would follow the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the reintegration of the banned Russians and Belarusians. According to Titov, however, the committee was unable to agree on the criteria for the neutral status of the athletes.
"Definitely not there"
"Now we will definitely not be at the World Cup," said Valentina Rodionenko, head coach of the Russian team. According to Rodionenko, the decision, which will be discussed again at the next executive meeting in July, also dwindles the chances of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. At the World Championships in Antwerp in October, a large number of starting places will be awarded.
In any case, the IOC has postponed its decision on the right of Russians and Belarusians to compete at the Summer Games until a "suitable time", but recommended that the world federations open their own competitions under conditions. The sports of boxing or judo currently allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete at the World Championships.