Following the IOC’s decision: FIVB has allowed Russian athletes to compete in tournaments
9 July 04:28
The International Volleyball Federation has decided to allow Russian athletes to participate in official international competitions. In addition, the Russian national teams will be reinstated in the world rankings with the same ranking points they had before the restrictions were imposed.
This was reported by the FIVB press service, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Russian athletes have been allowed to participate in international tournaments
The federation stated that the decision is based on the principle of ensuring athletes’ right to participate in sports competitions regardless of their citizenship.
“This approach reflects the FIVB’s commitment to protecting athletes’ fundamental right to access sports regardless of their nationality,” the federation noted.
Russian national teams to be reinstated in world rankings
In addition to allowing athletes to compete, the FIVB also announced the reinstatement of Russian national teams in the world rankings.
Russian teams will receive the same ranking points that were recorded at the time they were suspended following the decision by the federation’s Administrative Council.
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What will happen to Russia’s flag and national anthem
The FIVB clarified that the issue of using:
- the national flag of the Russian Federation;
- the Russian national anthem;
- the national colors;
- other official symbols,
will be decided on a case-by-case basis before each tournament following consultations with international sports organizations and the European Volleyball Confederation.
Special anti-doping testing will be introduced for Russian athletes
The federation also reported that, in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, the International Testing Agency will develop a separate program of comprehensive anti-doping testing for athletes from Russia.
The FIVB expressed its support for Ukraine
Despite the decision to allow Russian athletes to compete, the federation emphasized that it continues to condemn Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“The FIVB remains deeply concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine and strongly condemns all forms of violence. We continue to hope for a peaceful resolution as soon as possible and remain committed to supporting the Ukrainian volleyball community through the Volleyball Empowerment program,” the statement reads.
The decision was made following a change in the IOC’s position
The FIVB’s decision came after the IOC temporarily lifted some of its recommendations regarding restrictions on Russian athletes.
At the same time, a final decision regarding:
- the use of Russian state symbols;
- holding international tournaments on Russian territory;
- the participation of official Russian representatives,
will be made independently by each international sports federation.
Earlier, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on countries hosting international sporting events to prevent the use of Russian symbols and not to facilitate Russia’s return to world sports until it ceases its armed aggression.
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