# European Aquatics ready to allow Russian flags and anthem if hosts agree

https://mins.news/en/item/17458

- TASS, 2026-08-09 12:54 UTC
- Sports
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2170693

> European Aquatics says Russian athletes could be allowed to compete with their national flag and anthem if event hosts approve. Several European governments currently bar Russian and Belarusian competitors unless they take part as neutrals. The approach therefore depends on the position of individual hosts and the rules applied in their jurisdictions. The proposal concerns participation conditions rather than a blanket change across Europe.