The FIG Executive Committee has decided to extend the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials until further notice ©Getty Images

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Executive Committee has decided to extend the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials until further notice.

The decision was taken as the FIG Executive Committee met for the first time this year in Lausanne from March 1 to 2.

"Unfortunately, the conflict in Ukraine, which started just over a year ago, is still going on," FIG said.

"Considering the exceptional circumstances related to this conflict, the FIG Executive Committee has decided, based on the new Article 13.3 of the FIG Statutes in force since 1 January 2023, to confirm the measures taken on 26 February 2022 and on 4 March 2022, in particular the measure according to which Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions until further notice.

The world governing body added that it will continue to monitor the situation and "reassess the measures" accordingly.  

At the FIG Congress last year, the presence of Russian and Belarusian delegates in Istanbul led to seven European National Federations - Estonia, Italy, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Ukraine - boycotting the event.

At that time, FIG President Morinari Watanabe said the International Federation could not exclude Russian and Belarusian officials under the terms of the Olympic Charter and its own Statutes.

The FIG has also promised aid for National Federations in Turkey and Syria after the earthquake ©Getty Images
The FIG has also promised aid for National Federations in Turkey and Syria after the earthquake ©Getty Images

While athletes from the Russia and Belarus largely remain banned from international sport, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been exploring a pathway to reinstate athletes from the two nations back into competition, with focus on Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

However, if they are to return, it will be under strict conditions of neutrality.

The FIG Executive Committee also approved a "package of aid", including financial support and equipment, to National Federations in Syria and Turkey following the deadly earthquakes that struck the two nations last month.

It was also decided that fundraising will be held during the Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, set to be held in Antalya from March 29 to April 2.

Participants at the event will also wear a badge of support in solidarity with those who lost their lives in the disaster.