Russia Has Been Reinstated in World Handball: The IHF Has Made a High-Profile Decision
16 July 06:45
The International Handball Federation (IHF) has decided to fully reinstate Russian and Belarusian athletes, referees, officials, and experts in international competitions. Despite this, the organization stated that it continues to support Ukraine and condemns the war, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
IHF Fully Lifts Suspension of Russia and Belarus
The International Handball Federation Council announced the complete lifting of the ban, which had been in effect since March 4, 2022, following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The federation explained that the decision was made following the latest recommendations from the International Olympic Committee regarding the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international sports.
The reinstatement applies to:
- national teams;
- club teams;
- referees;
- officials;
- delegates;
- experts;
- federation instructors.
Reintegration took place in stages
The IHF noted that the process of readmitting Russians and Belarusians began as early as the spring of 2026.
On March 24, youth national teams were allowed to play friendly matches and participate in tournaments, provided they signed declarations confirming they had no ties to military structures or security agencies.
And on May 6, the federation approved the possibility of granting wild cards to select teams to participate in the U16 Women’s World Championship and the IHF Nations Trophy tournament.
The federation expressed its support for Ukraine
Despite the decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to return, the IHF separately emphasized that it is not changing its position regarding the war.
The statement notes that the federation:
- continues to support the Ukrainian Handball Federation;
- expresses solidarity with the Ukrainian sports community;
- strongly condemns Russian aggression;
- hopes for a swift end to the war and the resumption of international sports cooperation.
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Eligibility does not mean there are no other restrictions
At the same time, the IHF’s decision does not guarantee unimpeded participation by Russian teams in all international tournaments.
Organizers of individual competitions, host countries, and national authorities may apply their own rules regarding:
- visa requirements;
- sanctions;
- security requirements;
- anti-doping procedures;
- other legal restrictions.
EU countries call for a halt to funding for federations that reinstate Russian athletes
In light of the IHF’s decision, nine European Union member states previously called for a review of funding for international sports organizations that are reinstating Russian and Belarusian athletes to official competitions.
In their view, international federations should take into account Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine when making such decisions.
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