OREANDA-NEWS. The Russian men's handball team will not be able to use the national anthem and flag, not only during the matches of the upcoming World Cup, but even while staying in the hotel. According to Vesti.ru, such a ban is connected with the sanctions of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

According to the General Director of the Russian Handball Federation Lev Voronin, following the prohibitions "comes to insanity." He claims that Russian athletes are not allowed to walk in uniform even in a hotel, while in their rooms. The ban also applies to the Russian anthem.

These prohibitions were imposed in connection with the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Russian men's handball team decided to go to the World Championship under a new name - "Team of the Russian Handball Federation". Instead of the Russian flag, the team will use the FGR flag, from which the inscriptions will be removed.

The Russian Handball Federation explained: "We received clarifications from the International Handball Federation. Despite the absence of detailed technical regulations developed following the CAS meeting, we are required to completely exclude state symbols (flag and coat of arms) and the use of the word" Russia "on the uniform, without specification" neutral athletes ".

The World Handball Championship will be held from 14 to 31 January in Egypt.