Russia has criticized Romania after its rhythmic gymnastics team withdrew from the 2026 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup, saying its athletes were barred from competing under the Russian flag and anthem despite recent changes to international sporting regulations.
In a statement issued on June 27, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Romanian officials of politicizing international sport and described the restrictions as unjustified.
Russian Team Chooses Not to Compete
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the national team decided to pull out of the competition after being informed that it would not be allowed to use Russia’s national symbols during the event in Cluj-Napoca, which is being held from June 26 to June 28.
Moscow argued that withdrawing from the tournament was the only reasonable response under the circumstances.
The ministry maintained that the decision contradicted recent moves by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the European Gymnastics Union, which it said had restored Russian athletes’ participation rights by lifting previous restrictions.
Russia Blames Local Authorities for the Decision
Zakharova claimed the continued ban resulted from the actions of a local mayor, whom she accused of blocking the use of Russian national symbols while publicly citing opposition to what he described as an “aggressor state.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry further alleged that neither the competition organizers nor Romanian authorities challenged the local official’s position, allowing the restrictions to remain in place.
Romanian authorities had not publicly responded to the accusations at the time of the statement.
Foreign Ministry Accuses Romania of Politicizing Sport
In its remarks, Moscow argued that the incident reflected a broader trend of political interference in international sporting events.
Zakharova said the treatment of the Russian delegation demonstrated what she described as growing anti-Russian sentiment in Romania, claiming it had created unequal conditions for athletes participating in major international competitions.
She also suggested that countries unable to guarantee equal treatment for competitors should not expect to host prestigious international sporting events.
Russia Signals Further Action
The Foreign Ministry indicated that it does not intend to let the matter end with the team’s withdrawal.
Zakharova said Russia would continue to pursue the issue, although she did not specify what diplomatic or sporting measures Moscow might take next.
The dispute adds to the ongoing tensions surrounding the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions, where questions over eligibility, national symbols, and sporting neutrality have remained contentious since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
