Russia and Belarus are set to be readmitted to competition by the FIG as neutrals ©Getty Images

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is set to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes into its competitions as neutral athletes.

The governing body had imposed an outright ban on the two countries since March 2 of last year following the invasion of Ukraine.

However, today's Executive Committee decision will see "individual neutral athletes" from the pair allowed to compete again despite FIG insisting its "condemnation of the senseless invasion of Ukraine by Russia and its commitment to impose severe punishments on anyone in the international Gymnastics community who is involved in war or supports war."

The FIG claims that in order to be granted neutral status, athletes must apply for it "in accordance with the Ad-hoc rules" and if successful they will be eligible to participate in the organisation's events from January 1 2024.

The Ad-hoc rules and supporting documents are set to be published in the coming weeks after being finalised by the Executive Committee.

"By accepting Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to participate in competitions as independent neutral athletes, the FIG is ensuring that the rights of all athletes are respected and is sending a message to the world that gymnastics is seeking peace," said FIG President Morinari Watanabe.

FIG President Morinari Watanabe claims to be sending the message that
FIG President Morinari Watanabe claims to be sending the message that "gymnastics is seeking peace" by allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes back to competitions ©Getty Images

The decision follows the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendations to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete as individual neutrals, as long as they do not support the war and are not affiliated with their nations' militaries. 

FIG stated that competitors from the two could compete at Olympic qualification events, organised by the International Federation, but insisted that the decision on whether Russians and Belarusians could compete at Paris 2024 is the responsibility of the IOC.   

The condition of neutrality states that athletes can also only compete without any involvement or association with their Government, National Federation, or National Olympic Committee.

The FIG Executive Committee was due to make a decision in May but had to postpone it to today's meeting.

Watanabe told insidethegames that this was down to the amount of disciplines that FIG governs and not any internal disputes within the Committee.

Russian and Belarusian athletes could still participate in Paris 2024 qualification events but the FIG is insistent that their appearance at the Games is down to the IOC ©Getty Images
Russian and Belarusian athletes could still participate in Paris 2024 qualification events but the FIG is insistent that their appearance at the Games is down to the IOC ©Getty Images

FIG currently has control over artistic gymnastics for men and women, rhythmic, trampoline, acrobatic, aerobic, parkour, and gymnastics for all. 

The FIG Executive Committee features multiple members from countries opposed to Russia and Belarus' reinstatement including Finland's Jani Tanskanen, Latvia's Arturs Mickevics and Romania's Maria Fumea.

Russian and Belarusian athletes will now be able to compete in the remaining Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifying events.

Although the qualifying World Artistic Gymnastics Championships from 2022 and 2023 have passed, they could still feature at the Apparatus World Cup Series, from January to March 2024, and the European Championships in April and May for men and women, respectively.

The European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships are set for May 22 to 26 while the continental trampoline event is due for April 3 to 7 in Portugal's Guimarães.