Ukraine Calls For Emergency Congress After Controversial FIG Rule Change

BusinessSportsMoneyUkraine Calls For Emergency Congress After Controversial FIG Rule ChangeByCaroline Price,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Olympic Sports Analyst and Published AuthorFollow AuthorMay 22, 2026, 12:51pm EDTMay 22, 2026, 12:57pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Oleg Verniaiev of Ukraine chalks his hands before competing on the pommel horse during the men's competition for the iPro Sport World Cup of Gymnastics at The O2 Arena on April 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation (UGF) has called for immediate action after World Gymnastics’ (FIG) decision to lift all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes. On May 18, the FIG’s Executive Committee voted to lift all restrictions imposed on the respective nations, permitting their full return to World Championships and Olympic competitions.The restrictions were originally imposed in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. From 2022 to 2024, no Russian or Belarusian athletes competed at a World Championships or Olympic Games.However, the restrictions were amended in 2024 to permit select athletes to compete under authorized neutral criteria, though many critics argued the criteria were inconsistently enforced.At the 2025 World Championships, Russian gymnast Angelina Melnikova competed – and won all-around gold – as an Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN). Melnikova was prohibited from wearing Russian paraphernalia or playing the Russian anthem. In 2026, she and her teammates can don the blue, red and white. The FIG’s ruling allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate fully with their national anthems and flags. The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation (UGF) swiftly condemned the decision.In a statement shared May 21, the federation criticized the FIG’s decision,...