"Yellow hammer and sickle on a blue flag". The FIG has allowed Russia to participate in international tournaments, but there is a nuance

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in international tournaments only in neutral status and only if a number of conditions are met. All the points have been published on the FIG website.

First of all, only individual athletes will be able to compete abroad. Teams are still not allowed. Officials of the Russian Federation and Belarus are also not allowed.

Only gymnasts who did not support the war in Ukraine can be invited to the tournament. A necessary criterion is the absence of connection with the Russian or Belarusian army or other national security agencies.

"Any other form of verbal, non-verbal, or written expression, express or implied, at any time since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, including public statements, including those made on social media, participation in events or activities in support of the war in Ukraine, and wearing any symbol in support of the war in Ukraine, such as the "Z" symbol, is considered an act of support for the war in Ukraine," the FIG press release said.

It is clarified that all costs associated with the neutrality check and the decision are borne by the applicant.

The regulation also regulates the appearance of athletes from Russia and Belarus at international competitions: all equipment must be solid light blue. Props in rhythmic gymnastics must be completely white.

The use of symbols or expressions associated with the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus or their organizations is prohibited. The use of clothing, footwear, accessories or personal items with a political context is prohibited. Music for performances must be neutral and not contain references to the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus or any political statements.

The music will be separately approved by FIG and the use of a different tune will result in disqualification.

These conditions provoked a strong reaction from Russian fans.

"'Our' athletes will do, but I would add yellow to the flag... for more laughs.", "The yellow hammer and sickle will look great in the corner of the blue flag," fans mock.

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