International Sports Arbitration (CAS) on Friday, March 12, rejected Russia’s request to use the song “Katyusha” instead of the national anthem during the Tokyo Olympics. Reported by the Associated Press.
“The CAS believes that the restriction on any anthem associated with Russia applies to any song associated with or with links to Russia, including Katyusha,” the statement said.
In February, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) asked the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) to submit an alternative piece of music for use at World Championships, which are also subject to restrictions on the use of the national anthem.
On January 14, a commission of athletes suggested that the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) use the song “Katyusha” instead of the Russian anthem as a musical accompaniment at the Olympics. Later, the idea was supported in the State Duma, noting that the song of the Soviet composer Matvey Blanter is widely known in the world. However, not a single international federation has allowed Russian teams to use the Katyusha instead of the anthem.
The CAS Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on December 17, 2020 that Russian athletes will not be able to compete under the country’s flag at major international competitions until December 16, 2022. Also, the anthem of Russia cannot be used as musical accompaniment during the specified period.
On the same day, the first deputy head of the Federation Council committee on social policy, Valery Ryazansky, considered the CAS decision politicized and punishing the entire country.