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2 clusters · 2 sources · 12 days · First seen · Last updated

Restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes in Croatia

Overview

Croatia announced that it will enforce a ban on Russian and Belarusian flags, anthems, and other national symbols during the 2026 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb. This decision follows directives from the Croatian government and transitional measures approved by World Gymnastics. While Russian athletes have received equipment, they may be required to compete under the World Gymnastics flag.

Following these restrictions, complications regarding athlete participation emerged. Although most of the 65-person Russian delegation was granted entry, Olympic gold medalist Viktoria Listunova was denied a Croatian visa. The Russian Gymnastics Federation stated the denial was based on the claim that the “purpose and conditions of the planned stay were not sufficiently justified.” The federation argued this exclusion deprives athletes of a vital qualifying tournament for the World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Entities

European Gymnastics · Belarus · Republic of Croatia · Russian Gymnastics Federation · Russia

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Viktoria Listunova denied visa for European Gymnastics Championships

    Olympic gymnast Viktoria Listunova has been denied a visa to compete in the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb, sparking criticism from the Russian Gymnastics Federation.

  2. 16 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Croatia bans Russian, Belarusian flags at 2026 European Gymnastics Championships

    Croatia will bar Russian and Belarusian flags, anthems and symbols at the 2026 European Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb, following World Gymnastics' sanctions.

Sources

health-e.org.za · sportowefakty.wp.pl