FIVB follows IOC, allows Russian athletes back into competitions

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced on Wednesday that it has lifted the ban preventing Russian athletes and teams from competing in official FIVB events. This move aligns with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision earlier this week to provisionally remove sanctions against the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).

Following the IOC's resolution, the FIVB stated that Russian athletes and technical staff will now be permitted to participate in all official competitions across all disciplines. This marks a significant shift in the international sports landscape for Russian competitors.

Furthermore, the FIVB confirmed that Russian teams will be readmitted to the world rankings. They will be reinstated with the points they held at the time their participation was frozen by a decision from the FIVB Board of Administration. This ensures their previous standing is recognized.

Previously, in an announcement last year, the FIVB had indicated that Russian and Belarusian athletes in younger age groups would be allowed to participate in international and continental events starting January 1, 2026. The current decision accelerates the return of Russian athletes to international competition.