GAMMA is a global community, united in the best interests of mixed martial arts and our athletes. The ongoing and increasing violence in the Ukraine stands in stark contrast to our values and beliefs. We strongly condemn the invasion and continue to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

As you will be aware, many international sports organisations have now made the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in their events. With the GAMMA World Championships less than three weeks away, we have consulted our Members and taken the difficult decision to prohibit all Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in Amsterdam. The decision is also in line with recent recommendations from the International Olympic Committee.*

We have considered the impact that this will have on the athletes, and while it is a regrettable situation, it is a necessary measure given the situation in the Ukraine.

The Russian and Belarusian federations remain active members of GAMMA with the ban on athletes to be reviewed in advance of future GAMMA events.

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*In order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants, the IOC recommended on 28 February 2022 that International Sports Federations and sports event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.

Wherever this is not possible on short notice for organisational or legal reasons, the IOC strongly urges International Sports Federations and organisers of sports events worldwide to do everything in their power to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus. Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colours, flags or anthems should be displayed.

Wherever, in very extreme circumstances, even this is not possible on short notice for organisational or legal reasons, the IOC EB leaves it to the relevant organisation to find its own way to effectively address the dilemma described above.