FIVB Allows Russian and Belarusian Youth National Teams to Return to International Competitions
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has decided to readmit youth teams from Russia and Belarus to international and continental competitions.
The decision was adopted by the organisation’s Executive Committee on December 12 and published on the official FIVB website.
Under the decision, starting January 1, 2026, young athletes from both countries will once again be able to compete under their own flags and national symbols. The FIVB emphasises the importance of giving the younger generation the opportunity to compete internationally without political restrictions.
The move is consistent with the latest recommendations of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Executive Board, which were supported by the Olympic Summit. These recommendations state that young athletes from Russia and Belarus should not be restricted from participating in international competitions, regardless of the sport.
However, the FIVB notes that the decision applies only to youth teams. The ban on the participation of Russia’s and Belarus’s senior national teams, introduced on March 1, 2022, remains in force.
The organisation also stressed that it continues to express deep concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine and condemns all forms of violence. The FIVB stated that it will continue to support the Ukrainian volleyball community through its Volleyball Empowerment programme.
