The decision of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in youth international tournaments has opened a new front of tension in European volleyball. Although the ban on the men's and women's national teams of Russia and Belarus remains in force, the move by the world governing body, motivated by the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, was sharply attacked by Ukraine. This is reported bysport.ua.

The president of the Ukrainian federation, Mykhailo Melnyk, publicly described the IOC's guidelines as "disgraceful" and announced that Kyiv would submit an official protest to the FIVB.

Even more importantly, the Ukrainian side has already begun coordination with other federations, having received support from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. According to Melnyk, possible reactions are not limited to written statements extreme options are also on the table, including withdrawing from competitions and demonstrative protest actions.

This is precisely where the topic gains direct significance for Bulgaria. Sofia is a co-host for Euro 2026 for men, and Bulgaria and Ukraine are in the same group. Should Ukraine decide to withdraw from participation, the situation would be unprecedented for a European Championship a host tournament with a disrupted group format, sporting and organizational consequences affecting not only the group rivals but also the overall calendar, regulations, and image of the competition.

For the Bulgarian side, this means not just a sports issue, but a diplomatic and managerial test. A potential withdrawal by Ukraine would place CEV and FIVB under serious pressure to seek extraordinary solutions, and Sofia at the center of a crisis that extends far beyond the confines of the playing field. In this sense, the development of the conflict surrounding the youth participation of Russians and Belarusians could directly affect the Men's European Championship in 2026, with all the resulting risks for the tournament and the host nation.

photos:sport.uaand internet