European Aquatics has formally requested a postponement in implementing the newly approved AQUA bylaw on athlete participation.
Following a Bureau meeting held on 30 April 2026, it was agreed to seek a delay in the enforcement of the regulation, which allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to return to full participation across all aquatic disciplines.
The proposal calls for the bylaw’s implementation to be deferred until 1 September 2026. Until then, Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams who meet the current eligibility requirements will continue to compete in European Aquatics events solely under the designation of Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN).
