FIG Provides Major Update Over Russian Controversy with 22 Athletes Named After Fan Outrage

The controversy surrounding Russian gymnasts’ eligibility has taken yet another twist. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is finally updating its list of approved Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs). This comes after weeks of speculation and backlash over FIG’s silence on the back of which Russian athletes were granted neutral status for competition. Fans have been vocal in their criticism, accusing the governing body of a lack of transparency and inconsistencies in its decision-making. FIG’s recent update has added 22 Russian names to the AIN list, including several athletes from military-affiliated clubs like CSKA and Dynamo.

And this has transpired despite the federation’s own Ad Hoc rules seemingly prohibiting such affiliations. This latest development has only intensified the scrutiny, with many questioning the legitimacy of FIG’s approval process. The uproar began when a leaked list surfaced on March 5, revealing that 26 Russian gymnasts, coaches, and staff had reportedly been approved, while four—including Olympic champion Viktoria Listunova—were denied. FIG had yet to confirm this at the time, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes maneuvering. 

Adding to the same, Russian sources previously claimed they had submitted 100 names, yet only a fraction had been accepted. The list includes prominent artistic gymnasts like Angelina Melnikova, Maria Agafonova, and Daniel Marinov, with the latest update confirming their status.

What has particularly enraged fans is the inconsistency in FIG’s selections. Several approved gymnasts, such as Melnikova and Marinov, have links to CSKA, which should have made them ineligible under FIG’s neutrality criteria. Meanwhile, Listunova—who has no known military ties—was rejected. Historian Katherine Keirns, who has been closely following the developments, pointed out this contradiction, stating, “I believe that FIG was clueless/cynical enough to approve a CSKA athlete as an AIN.”

Keirns also speculated on Russia’s potential strategy in this controversy. “If that’s the case, RGF might be trying to force FIG’s hand to release the official list. If Melnikova is still on it, they win. If she’s not, they get a propaganda victory about how poor, innocent, beloved Gelya is being victimized by the Ukrainian puppets in Europe.” Such uncertainty surrounding FIG’s process has led to widespread frustration, with many fans demanding clear explanations.

Now that 22 more names have been added to FIG’s official list, the gymnastics world remains divided. With mounting pressure and ongoing debates over fairness and neutrality, the fallout from this controversy is far from over. Amid this scenario, FIG has stopped Russian neutrals from the European championship.

FIG sparked controversy by blocking Russian neutrals from European Championship

The FIG’s decision to block Russian gymnasts from competing as neutrals at the European Championships has ignited backlash, with critics questioning whether the exclusions are based on technical grounds or political motivations. Among those denied neutral status is Tokyo Olympic champion Victoria Listunova, a high-profile name whose absence raises red flags about the selection process. Other gymnasts affected include Alexei Usachev, Ekaterina Privalova, and Elena Ayloyan, further fueling concerns over what some see as an opaque and inconsistent approval system.

Elena Iskhakova, Secretary General of the Russian Canoe Federation, criticized the process, stating that athletes who had provided all necessary documentation were still blocked from entry. “The absence of clear reasoning behind these denials has intensified frustration among Russian sporting officials,” she emphasized, reinforcing the growing perception that the rejections are more than just bureaucratic roadblocks. 

With FIG yet to clarify its criteria, the decision has only deepened suspicions of selective enforcement. Speculation is mounting over whether FIG itself is divided on how to handle Russian participation, as the lack of transparency continues to overshadow the process. 

The question remains, if neutrality is granted selectively, does it truly remain neutral? As gymnastics officials and fans await an official response, the controversy underscores broader concerns about fairness in international sports governance.