Russia could theoretically be allowed to return to the Eurovision Song Contest.

Axar.az reports that this was stated by Martin Green, chief executive of the Eurovision Song Contest, in an interview with LBC Radio.

Green said Russia’s exclusion from the contest was based on the status of its state broadcaster, which was deemed not sufficiently independent from the Kremlin, adding that a return would depend on compliance with membership rules.

“When asked if Russia could return to the contest as long as its broadcaster met membership rules, Green told LBC: ‘Theoretically, yes,’” he said.

Speaking on Israel’s participation, Green noted that its inclusion was linked to the lack of a “global consensus” over the situation in Gaza.

“If you know you have a global consensus, you’re going to act very, very quickly. If you know you don’t, you have to take more time about it,” Green said.