Junior athletes from Russia and Belarus allowed back to competition following EA Bureau vote

Junior athletes from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete in all aquatics disciplines except for water polo with immediate effect following a vote at an extraordinary meeting of the European Aquatics Bureau on April 24.

The ruling, which also applies to Russian and Belarusian athletes competing at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) taking place in Skopje from 20-26 July 2025, is subject to the following criteria:

Athletes can be entered for individual events but will not be eligible for relays in swimming and open water competition or team events in artistic swimming and diving.

Competitors will be considered as neutral athletes on entry and results sheets.

Delegations from Russia or Belarus will not be able to display national names, flags or distinctive colours on any competition, training or leisure apparel.

No national flags or anthems will be played during award ceremonies.

This decision has been taken in the interests of young athletes, who are not responsible for political actions.

Any questions or requests for clarification over the criteria for eligibility of Russian or Belarusian athletes should be directed to European Aquatics.

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