World Aquatics admitted Russians and Belarusians to international competitions

The International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics) has lifted the ban on the performance of Russian and Belarusian athletes at international starts in synchronized swimming, group disciplines in swimming and diving. The corresponding document was published on the website of the Independent Authority to combat adverse events in aquatic sports (Aquatics Integrity Unit) on November 18.

However, it is only possible to take part in the competitions if the eligibility criteria are met, among which is the presence of neutral status. Also, water polo remains among the banned for Russians and Belarusians at international starts.

Earlier, November 18, head of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation Mikhail Degtyarev noted that Russia and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had converged in their views on the participation of Russian athletes in competitions. He specified that the dialogue with representatives of the organization is conducted in a non-public format through various channels.

On October 28, the president of the World Athletics Association (World Athletics), Sebastian Coe, said in a conversation with the chairman of the subcommittee on high performance sports and sports activities of Ukraine, Olha Saladukha, that he would not allow Russian athletes to compete even in a neutral status.

On 21 August, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Russia would continue to demand that the IOC abandon its anti-Russian decisions and observe the principles of the international Olympic movement.