Russian national volleyball teams are allowed to participate in youth international competitions from January 1, 2026 – FIVB

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has admitted the Russian and Belarusian volleyball and beach volleyball teams to youth international competitions, according to the FIVB website.

The decision was made on December 5 at the FIVB Council. It comes into force on January 1, 2026.

“The FIVB has decided to allow all young volleyball players, including those with Russian and Belarusian passports, to participate in international and continental age group competitions to ensure the next generation of volleyball and beach volleyball players have their fundamental right to participate in international competitions without any political interference.

This decision is also in line with the latest recommendation of the IOC Executive Committee, supported by the Olympic Summit, that youth athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports should no longer be restricted from accessing international competitions in both individual and team sports.

In accordance with the recommendation of the executive committee, provided that the respective national federations remain in good standing, standard FIVB protocols regarding flags, anthems, uniforms and other elements will apply, the FIVB decision said.

It is noted that the decision of the FIVB council to suspend the senior national teams of Russia and Belarus remains in force.