The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has officially announced that Russian athletes, national teams, and technical officials will be readmitted to all competitions under its auspices. The decision was made by the FIVB Administrative Council on July 8, 2026, just one day after the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reinstated the rights of the Russian Olympic Committee and declared that previous recommendations regarding the participation of Russian athletes and teams are no longer applicable.
The FIVB emphasizes that the decision is consistent with the federation's longstanding policy of following IOC recommendations and reflects its commitment to protecting the fundamental right of athletes to participate in sport regardless of their nationality.
Russian national teams will also be reinstated in the world rankings with the same number of points they held at the time of their suspension following the FIVB's decision in 2022.
We recall that in early May 2025, friendly matches were played in Belgrade between the men's and women's teams of Serbia and Russia.
However, the question of under what national symbols Russian teams will compete has not yet been definitively resolved. The FIVB announced that the use of the Russian flag, anthem, national colors, and other distinctive symbols will be further determined jointly with the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) and in coordination with other international sports organizations, to ensure the full participation of the athletes.
In accordance with IOC recommendations, the International Testing Agency (ITA) will develop and implement a special comprehensive anti-doping program for Russian athletes.
At the same time, the FIVB states that it remains deeply concerned by the ongoing war in Ukraine, strongly condemns all forms of violence, expresses hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict as soon as possible, and will continue to support the Ukrainian volleyball community through the Volleyball Empowerment program.
The All-Russian Volleyball Federation described the decision as historic and emphasized that Russian volleyball is the first team sport to receive permission to return to the international stage after the IOC's decision.
"Russian volleyball has been waiting for this decision for more than four years," stated Stanislav Shevchenko, president of the All-Russian Volleyball Federation.
He thanked the FIVB leadership for the constructive cooperation and for the quick reaction after the IOC Executive Board meeting, thanks to which the FIVB Administrative Council considered the matter and made a decision just one day later.
According to Shevchenko, the Russian federation is now awaiting an official roadmap for the gradual return to the international stage. According to the information available to the federation, beach volleyball players will be allowed first, followed by indoor volleyball.
"This is long-awaited news for the entire Russian volleyball community. On our part, we are ready for the return and for full participation in international competitions," Shevchenko added.
The first signs of "unfreezing" were friendly matches between Serbia and Russia in 2025, attended by CEV head Rocco Sikiric. The FIVB and CEV are expected to publish specific procedures, deadlines, and a schedule for the gradual return of Russian national teams and clubs to international tournaments.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
