Eurovision axes 'anti-Putin' song

Female trio 3G are performing the Georgian song

Georgia's entry has been ruled unacceptable by organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, because of some of its lyrics.

The disco-funk song, We Don't Wanna Put In, appears to poke fun at Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

However, it is against the competition's rules to allow political content in entries.

A contest spokesman said: "No lyrics, speeches, gestures of a political or similar nature shall be permitted."

The event, which is being held in the Russian capital in May, is taking place less than a year after Russia and Georgia went to war over the region of South Ossetia.

Relations between the two countries have been tense for several years.

Georgia initially announced it would not take part in the Moscow contest due to political objections, but the decision was reversed in December.

'Negative move'

The song, which was chosen by a public vote and jury, was due to be performed by female trio 3G along with male vocalist Stephane.

The song, which has a distinct 1970s feel, contains the chorus: "We don't wanna put in, the negative move, it's killin' the groove."

Even the title of the song appears to be play on the politician's name.

The Geneva-based European Broadcasting Union, which runs the contest, said Georgia can rewrite the lyrics of its entry or select another song.

Natya Uznadze, the group's producer, said they had yet to receive official confirmation of the decision.

Vladimir Smirnov from Russia's state-run Channel One - which will broadcast the contest - said the network had nothing to do with the decision.

Russia won the right to host the annual event after winning last year's competition.