Belarus has been disqualified from this year's Eurovision Song Contest as its politically fuelled entry was judged to have broken competition rules.
Event organisers asked the eastern European country to submit a new or updated song two weeks ago over concerns the proposed track, by Galasy ZMesta, contravened the contest's "non-political nature".
However, the modified version of Ya Nauchu Tebya (I'll Teach You) was also deemed to breach rules.
"The European Broadcasting Union and the Reference Group, the contest's governing board, carefully scrutinised the new entry to assess its eligibility to compete," said a statement from organisers.
"It was concluded that the new submission was also in breach of the rules of the competition that ensure the contest is not instrumentalised or brought into disrepute."
Belarus has "regrettably" been withdrawn from May's show in Rotterdam, they added.
Galasy ZMesta is known for mocking anti-government protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.
Featuring lyrics such as "I will teach you to toe the line", Ya Nauchu Tebya had sparked backlash from opposition figures.
Galasy ZMesta's song had received 5,800 likes and more than 40,000 dislikes on the competition's official YouTube page since Tuesday, with more than half a million views. It has now been taken down from the site.
The band's frontman, Dmitry Butakov, denied the song breached the competition's rules.
"It is not news for me at all. It was expected, understandable," Butakov told Reuters. "I think our song is compliant. It's them who think it is not."
Belarus witnessed large protests last year over the disputed re-election of leader Lukashenko, who has been in power for 27 years.
Lukashenko himself even weighed in on the row, saying: "They are starting to press us on all fronts. Even at Eurovision, I see. We'll make another song. You see that this is all politicised."
The Eurovision Song Content, which was cancelled last year amid the pandemic, returns to the Netherlands from Wednesday, May 18 to Sunday, May 22. Organisers have assured competitors that measures are in place to ensure the show goes on this year, albeit in limited scale.
- Additional reporting by Reuters
THE SPECS
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
RESULTS
Time; race; prize; distance
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