# Russian and Belarusian participation in gymnastics > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-and-belarusian-participation-in-gymnastics > Updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:29.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. An agreement has been reached regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in upcoming gymnastics championships in Germany and Croatia. Although the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) lifted all sanctions against these nations in May, a specific arrangement involving the FIG, the German Gymnastics Federation, the German Olympic Sports Confederation, and the German federal government will require these athletes to compete under a neutral status. Under this arrangement, athletes will compete without national flags or anthems. If medals are won, the FIG flag will be raised and neutral music will be played. Alfons Hölzl, President of the German Gymnastics Federation, stated the decision is intended to avoid allowing the championships to serve as a “propaganda platform for Russia.” The decision has faced opposition, including a protest from the Ukrainian gymnastics federation regarding the easing of sanctions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, political tensions have manifested in Croatia, which denied visas to nine members of the Russian delegation for the European Championships in Zagreb. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-11: Russia and Belarus to compete under neutral status at gymnastics championships Russian and Belarusian gymnasts will compete under neutral status at the World Championships in Germany and European Championships in Croatia, without national flags or anthems. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-and-belarus-to-compete-under-neutral-status-at-gymnastics-championships ### 2026-08-06: Frankfurt Rhythmic Gymnastics Worlds to Allow Russian and Belarusian Athletes Compete Without Flags or Anthems The 2026 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Frankfurt will let Russian and Belarusian athletes compete without flags or anthems, following a FIG‑German agreement; Ukraine protests and Croatia denies vis 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-and-belarusian-gymnasts-to-compete-flagless-at-frankfurt-world-championships --- Cite as: Russian and Belarusian participation in gymnastics. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-and-belarusian-participation-in-gymnastics