Russian volleyball players to return to international tournaments: federation lifts restrictions

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has lifted all restrictions that were in place for russian athletes after the start of the full-scale war between the russian federation and Ukraine. From now on, russian volleyball players can again participate in official international tournaments under the auspices of the federation.

The FIVB reported this on its official website.

Why russia will return to international tournaments in 2027

The federation explained that they made the decision following recommendations from the International Olympic Committee, which called on international sports federations to review restrictions on russian athletes.

The FIVB also announced that the russian national teams will be reinstated in the world rankings with the same number of rating points they had before the suspension.

The federation expects that the russian teams will be able to return to international competitions in 2027. This includes participation in the Nations League and the World Championship.

Will the russians be allowed to use state symbols

At the same time, the FIVB has not yet decided whether russian athletes will be allowed to compete in international tournaments under the state flag and with other national symbols.

The federation said that this issue will be agreed with the relevant international sports organizations in the near future.

Recall that the International Olympic Committee decided to restore the activities of the russian Olympic Committee and recommended that international sports federations lift all restrictions on russian athletes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called the IOC's decision a "warning signal" and called on countries hosting international sports competitions not to allow the display of russian state symbols.