The FIVB Board of Administration took the decision during its meeting last Friday to allow all young volleyball athletes, including those with a Russian and Belarusian passport, to participate in Age Group international and continental events, to ensure that the next generation of young volleyball and beach volleyball players have their fundamental right to participate in international competitions without any political interference.
This approach, effective 1 January 2026, reflects the FIVB’s commitment to ensuring young players can grow, develop and participate in volleyball and beach volleyball.
The decision also aligns with the IOC Executive Board’s (EB’s) latest recommendation, supported by the Olympic Summit, that youth athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport should no longer be restricted in their access to international youth competitions, in both individual and team sports.
As per the IOC EB’s recommendation, provided the respective National Federations remain in good standing, the FIVB’s standard protocols regarding flags, anthems, uniforms and other elements will apply.
In addition, the FIVB Board’s decision of 1 March 2022 regarding the ineligibility of senior national teams from Russia and Belarus remains in effect.
The FIVB remains deeply concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine and stands firm in its condemnation of all forms of violence. We hope a peaceful resolution can be achieved as soon as possible and continue to provide support to the Ukrainian volleyball community through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme.
