The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has officially decided to allow all young volleyball players, including those holding Russian and Belarusian passports, to participate in international and continental age-group competitions. The decision was adopted at the latest meeting of the FIVB Administrative Board and will come into effect on January 1, 2026.
The measure covers youth and junior national volleyball and beach volleyball teams and aims to guarantee the right of young athletes to participate in international tournaments without political interference. The FIVB emphasizes that this approach is focused on the development and growth of the next generation of volleyball players on a global scale.
The decision is also in line with the latest recommendation from the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), supported by the IOC Summit. According to this recommendation, young athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports should no longer be restricted from accessing international youth competitions, in both individual and team sports.
In accordance with IOC recommendations, provided that the respective national federations are in good standing, FIVB's standard protocols regarding flags, anthems, equipment, and other elements will be applied without additional restrictions.
The FIVB's decision has a normative and symbolic character, but it does not automatically resolve the sporting problem of missed qualifications and continental championships. The real effect will only be felt in subsequent competitive cycles, and for some generations, it will come too late.
At the same time, the FIVB confirmed that the decision from March 1, 2022, which declared the national men's and women's teams of Russia and Belarus inadmissible for participation in international competitions, remains in effect and does not apply to this new measure.
We recall that the first steps towards the return of Russian men's and women's teams were made this spring when friendly matches were played in Belgrade between the hosts and the Sbornaya men's and women's teams.
The International Federation also expressed its deep concern regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, reiterating its condemnation of all forms of violence. The FIVB stated that it would continue to provide support to the Ukrainian volleyball community through the Volleyball Empowerment program while a peaceful resolution to the conflict is sought.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
