SRF, the Swiss national broadcaster has informed esctoday.com that the a special Heilsarmee committee will be meeting this week in order to decide if the musical band will fly the Swiss flag in Malmö.

The  Swiss broadcaster has revealed to esctoday.com that they were aware of the problems that could arise if Heilsarmee were chosen to represent Switzerland before their national final. SRF were aware of the breach of EBU rules regarding the name and uniforms of the band, as Heilsarmee is a branded registered name. Hence they contacted the EBU ( European Broadcasting Union) prior to their national final in order to clarify and evaluate the situation. The EBU informed the Swiss television that Heilsarmee’s song complied with the rules and regulations of the EBU, and regarding their uniforms and name, they would only  study the situation if and when would the band would be  officially nominated to represent Switzerland.

SRF gave Heilsarmee the green light to compete in their Eurovision national final last December. After the band won the right to represent Switzerland at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, SRF  consulted the EBU regarding this matter. The EBU’s Reference Group studied the case and informed the Swiss television that Heilsarmee will have to change their name and uniforms in order to comply with EBU rules and regulations. The band will not be allowed to use neither their official name nor their official uniforms on stage in Malmö.

Heilsarmee will now have to decided if they will fly the Swiss flag in Malmö with a new name and another uniform. SRF will issue an official press release regarding the 2013 Swiss entry and representative  once the band makes their decision.

Whilst the band is yet to make to a decision, Heilsarmee have received much media attention and exposure  both in Switzerland and overseas, making headlines throughout Europe. Will the Salvation Army represent  Switzerland in Malmö?

Stay tuned to esctoday.com for the latest information on Switzerland and the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.