The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has officially confirmed that the Russian men's and women's national teams will participate in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in 2027. The decision was made after ongoing consultations with stakeholders following the world body's statement on July 8 regarding the return of Russian teams to international tournaments.
Russia will receive a spot in the VNL as the highest-ranked country in the world rankings among national teams that have not qualified through sporting merit. Therefore, only for the 2027 season, FIVB will increase the number of participants from 18 to 19 teams for both men and women.
This decision also guarantees participation for the Slovenian women's national team and the Finnish men's national team, who earned a spot based on their performance in recent seasons. The World Federation is already working on a new tournament format to allow it to be held with 19 teams.
FIVB also confirmed that, in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, a special anti-doping control program will be developed and implemented by the International Testing Agency (ITA).
Furthermore, the Russian Volleyball Federation has officially informed FIVB that, by its own volition, it will not participate in the Men's FIVB Volleyball World Cup in 2027.
According to Stanislav Shevchenko, president of the All-Russian Volleyball Federation, the reason is the lack of sufficient security guarantees for Russian athletes.
"We thank our colleagues from the International Volleyball Federation for their prompt response to the IOC's recommendations. After almost four years, our men's and women's national teams have been fully reinstated in their rights and are returning to the world stage. It is important that FIVB maintained our place in the world rankings, which ensured the participation of our teams in the next edition of the Volleyball Nations League," Shevchenko stated.
He added that the men's national team's refusal to participate in the World Cup was dictated by security concerns, as he believes there will be "too little sport and too much politics" at the championship in Poland.
Regarding the women's national team, FIVB continues discussions with the 2027 World Championship organizing committee, Volleyball Canada, USA Volleyball, and other stakeholders regarding the possible participation of the Russian women in the championship, which will be held in the USA and Canada.
The Russian Volleyball Federation expressed hope that a solution will be found that will allow the women's national team to participate in the first-ever World Championship organized in North America, and which will be in the interest of world volleyball.