The Russian national trampoline team refused to participate in the World Cup in Portugal

The Russian national trampoline team refused to participate in the fourth stage of the World Cup in Portuguese Coimbra, which will be held on July 4-5, due to a ban on performing with national symbols. This was announced on July 1 on the website of the Russian Gymnastics Federation.

"We were preparing for the World Cup in Portugal. But the organizers of the competition said that due to the position of the Portuguese authorities, they would not be able to ensure the participation of the Russian national team with national symbols. We were offered to compete only as neutral athletes. Considering that the decision of World Gymnastics is not being implemented, <...> the national team refused to participate in the tournament," said Alexei Ryzhkov, the head coach of the trampoline team.

It is noted that the European Commission recommended that EU countries allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete only in a neutral status, which violates the decision and the charter of World Gymnastics, as well as the Olympic Charter. The Russian Gymnastics Federation has stated that it will seek to enforce the decision of World Gymnastics by all available legal mechanisms.

Off the flag: who is blocking Russia's return to world sport

The position of European functionaries reinforces the discussion about the possible transition of our organizations to Asia

On May 18, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) allowed Russian athletes to participate in international tournaments with a flag and anthem. The solution applies to athletic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline jumping, athletic acrobatics, and athletic aerobics.