FIG to release criteria for participation in international competition, says RFG

This Google translate of an announcement by the RGF isn’t entirely clear.  It says unambiguously that next week the FIG will release its criteria for individual Russian athletes to compete on a neutral basis in international competitions.  Whether any athletes will fulfill these criteria is less clear; as Titov says, no Russian athlete can claim to have had no association with the state of Russia and the Russian flag since last February; they cannot fulfill such criteria.  At least I think that’s what he is saying.  Wait and see, as ever.  

Here is the article in full: 

‘The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) will announce the criteria for neutral status for Russian athletes this week, President of the Russian Artistic Gymnastics Federation (FSGR) Vasily Titov told RIA Novosti.

In March, the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that federations allow Russian athletes to participate in international competitions in a neutral status subject to a number of criteria, including the lack of active support for Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and contractual ties with the armed forces and security forces.

Fundamentally, the issue of admitting Russian athletes to international competitions has been resolved. They can compete in them starting from January 1, 2024. We are talking about all types of gymnastics, three of which - artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, as well as trampolining, are Olympic. Participate in international competitions can be athletes who confirm their neutral status. We do not yet have the conditions for this neutral status, as formulated by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). We should receive them from the FIG this week," Titov said.

“We have certain expectations, unfortunately, not the most rosy ones, because we understand what certain moments may arise in these conditions. First of all, related to the lack of association of our athletes with the flag, anthem and state symbols of Russia starting from February 24, 2022 year. But we don’t yet know whether this requirement will be there or not. If it ends up there, no one will be able to fulfill it. In general, not a single athlete in any country in the world could retroactively fulfill the condition of no association with their national flag and anthem. This is an impossible task,” added the FSGR President.

FIG announced the admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions in a neutral status on July 19.

Source: https://rsport.ria.ru/‘