Eurovision rejects Belarus entry over political concerns

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 6m

The European Broadcasting Union announces that Belarus's proposed song for this year's Eurovision Song Contest is not eligible to be submitted.

The European Broadcasting Union has announced that it has rejected the proposed song submitted by Belarus for this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovision fans have been petitioning the EBU to disqualify the country entirely due to the political nature of the group Galasy ZMesta, who have been vocal in their support of controversial Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.

While the EBU has not gone that far, it has confirmed that the band's song 'Ya Nauchu Tebya (I'll Teach You)' could be interpreted as being political in nature so it will be not accepted for the contest.

In a statement, the organisation said: "As part of the regular procedure for all songs submitted to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), the EBU has carefully scrutinized the Belarusian song, Ya Nauchu Tebya (I'll Teach You) by Galasy ZMesta to ensure it complies with the rules of the competition.

"It was concluded that the song puts the non-political nature of the Contest in question.

"In addition, recent reactions to the proposed entry risk bringing the reputation of the ESC into disrepute.

"We've written to the broadcaster BTRC, which is responsible for Belarus' entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, to inform them that the song, in its present form, is currently not eligible to compete.

"Furthermore we've requested that they take all necessary steps to submit a modified version, or a new song, that is compliant with the ESC rules.

"Failure to do so could result in disqualification from this year's Contest."

Belarus are due to appear in the first of this year's semi-finals on Tuesday, May 19.