The International Gymnastics Federation, known by its acronym FIG, remains firm about keeping Russian and Belarusian athletes out of its sanctioned events. This stance was reaffirmed as the federation continues to enforce a suspension on participation by athletes, officials, and referees from the two countries. The ban is currently indefinite and will stay in effect until a change in the prevailing conditions prompts a revision in policy. The decision reflects ongoing geopolitical and sporting considerations that have shaped international competition since early 2022.
A detailed discussion about the potential return of Russian and Belarusian teams to artistic and rhythmic gymnastics took place during a FIG board meeting held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on March 1–2. Delegates weighed recent developments, tournament requirements, and the broader impact on athletes who have trained for years to compete on the world stage. The board emphasized that any shift in status would depend on evolving political and sporting circumstances, as well as assurances about fair play and safety for all participants.
Looking back, the sequence of actions began when the International Olympic Committee issued guidance at the end of February 2022, urging international federations to limit participation by athletes from Russia and Belarus in global events. The IOC’s recommendation was intended to create space for diplomatic resolution and to align sporting activity with broader international responses—an approach many federations chose to echo in the months that followed. In this context, the FIG moved decisively in early March, implementing a ban on athletes from the two nations from competing under its banner, a measure that remained in effect as policies continued to be evaluated by the federation’s leadership.
Over time, the FIG’s stance has been interpreted in light of ongoing debates about sporting neutrality, safety, and the integrity of international competitions. Athletes who train within the affected systems have faced not only the challenge of maintaining peak performance without access to certain events, but also the emotional and logistical hurdles of competing while geopolitical tensions influence eligibility. The federation has repeatedly stated that its rules apply regardless of personal status, and that any potential changes would require careful consideration of the wider implications for the sport and its community.
In parallel, other sports bodies and international courts have weighed similar questions about sanctions and eligibility. The interplay between CAS rulings, national federations, and international sporting bodies has produced a complex tapestry of decisions that can change with new developments on the ground. For fans and athletes alike, the evolving policy landscape means ongoing uncertainty about who can compete, where, and under what conditions. The FIG has underscored that its priority remains safeguarding the fairness of competition while honoring commitments to athlete welfare and the sport’s competitive standards.
Beyond the competition floor, the situation has prompted conversations about training continuity, sponsorships, and athlete development programs that rely on participation in international events. National programs have had to adapt by seeking alternative venues and scheduling strategies to ensure athletes can continue to train, qualify, and aspire to world-class performances despite the restrictions. The FIG has encouraged teams to focus on preparation, coaching excellence, and the exchange of technical knowledge within the bounds of current policy, to maintain the health and progression of the sport.
As the board reviews updates and monitors geopolitical developments, the path forward remains contingent on future assessments by the FIG leadership and allied bodies. Stakeholders in the gymnastics community watch closely for any formal announcements that signal a shift in eligibility or a redefinition of what constitutes acceptable participation under FIG rules. Until such changes are made, the federation’s framework continues to guide how athletes from Russia and Belarus compete on the international stage, while the broader international sports community negotiates the ongoing balance between competitive integrity and geopolitical realities.
In summary, the FIG has maintained a cautious but clear line regarding the return of Russian and Belarusian competitors. The decision aligns with the federation’s long-standing commitment to fair play and the safety of all participants, even as it acknowledges the complexity of global politics and the potential for policy evolution. Observers and participants alike await further guidance from Lausanne as the situation develops, hopeful that a constructive resolution will eventually emerge that respects both the athletes’ dedication and the wider sport’s governance standards.