Croatia bans Russian, Belarusian flags at 2026 European Gymnastics Championships

The European Gymnastics Federation confirmed that host Croatia will enforce a ban on the use of Russian and Belarusian flags, anthems and other national symbols during the 2026 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb. The decision follows World Gymnastics' transitional measures approved by an extraordinary General Assembly on 28 July and aligns with Croatian government directives.

Russia’s gymnastics federation has already received official equipment for its athletes, but the competitors will not be permitted to display their national symbols and may have to compete under the World Gymnastics flag. The same restrictions were discussed in Romania, where an amendment clarified that Russian and Belarusian athletes can only use their symbols if the host country does not impose such bans.

The move reflects ongoing sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and underscores the politicisation of international sport.