European Aquatics has requested a delay until 1 September 2026 in implementing World Aquatics\u2019 bylaw allowing the full participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.<\/p>\n
World Aquatics decreed last month that athletes from those countries could compete without restriction and with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems.<\/p>\n
However, European Aquatics has released a statement saying: \u201cFollowing a meeting of the Bureau on 30 April 2026, it was agreed to request a delay of implementation of the recently approved AQUA bylaw concerning the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in international aquatic competitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe request asks that the bylaw, which permits the return of these athletes to full participation across all aquatic disciplines, not be enacted by European Aquatics until 1 September 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cUntil that date, athletes and teams from Russia and Belarus who have been approved under existing eligibility criteria will remain able to compete in European Aquatics competitions exclusively under the status of Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN).\u201d<\/p>\n