The federation seeks a postponement until September to defuse protests and keep athletes competing neutrally while Europe awaits World Aquatics’ formal reply.
The European Federation of Aquatic Sports (European Aquatics) has asked World Aquatics to postpone lifting sanctions against Russia and Belarus, imposed due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The European Aquatics press service reported this.
As a reminder, on April 13 of this year World Aquatics adopted a decision to lift all restrictions on Russians’ and Belarusians’ participation in international competitions in aquatic sports.
This decision drew a negative reaction. It was criticized by Oleksiy Sereda and Daryna Zevina. Poland stated that it would not allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in the European Championship 2027, and Northern European countries, as a protest, refused to host World Aquatics tournaments.
Now European Aquatics asks to postpone the implementation of World Aquatics’ April 13 decision to September 1. Until then, Russian and Belarusian athletes will be able to participate in competitions under the aegis of European Aquatics on the same terms as before – in a neutral status.
Context and consequences
The decision to lift the restrictions has sparked diplomatic and sporting discussions in Europe, with Poland and Northern European countries in particular voicing protests and refusing to host World Aquatics tournaments abroad.
An official position from World Aquatics regarding the European Aquatics’ request and further steps on the sanctions are expected.