The International Handball Federation (IHF) has ended the ban it imposed on Russia and Belarus on 4 March 2022. In line with the decisions taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board on 7 May and 7 July 2026, the IHF Council has decided to immediately lift the restrictions preventing the two countries' teams, officials, referees, coaches and experts from taking part in IHF events and activities.
Following the IOC's recommendation, the IHF will work in cooperation with the International Testing Agency (ITA) to implement the necessary anti-doping measures in connection with the return of Russian athletes to international handball competitions. The federation stated that full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code will be ensured at all times throughout this process. According to the statement, no additional eligibility requirement or other restriction applies.
The IHF Council has followed a gradual reintegration approach in recent months. On 24 March 2026, Russia's and Belarus's youth national teams were granted permission to play friendly matches and tournaments organised by themselves, subject to signed declarations confirming they have no ties to military or state security institutions. On 6 May 2026, the Council approved that a wild-card invitation could be extended to a team from Russia or Belarus for the 2026 IHF Women's U16 World Championship and/or the IHF Nations Cup, should this be deemed appropriate.
The IHF acknowledges that a transitional period may be required for the full reintegration of Russian and Belarusian teams and officials. The federation stated that it hopes this return will take place in a timely and effective manner, with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders. The IHF also reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the Ukrainian Handball Federation, condemning the ongoing war and emphasising its solidarity with Ukraine. The federation added that it hopes the conflict will end as soon as possible, allowing peace and normal sporting relations to be restored.
IHF Lifts Ban on Russia and Belarus
The International Handball Federation, aligning itself with the latest decisions of the IOC Executive Board, has immediately lifted the ban imposed on Russian and Belarusian teams, officials and referees since 2022.
In This Story
- Following the IOC Executive Board's decisions of 7 May and 7 July 2026, the IHF has immediately lifted the ban imposed on Russia and Belarus in 2022.
- The decision once again allows Russian and Belarusian teams, officials, referees and experts to take part in IHF events.
- The IHF stated it will implement anti-doping measures together with the ITA, while reaffirming its support for Ukraine.
This IHF decision illustrates how steps taken by the IOC under political pressure directly translate into action by sports federations. The return of Russia and Belarus could spark serious debate within the federation, especially ahead of the 2027 World Championship; Hungary's reaction to the wild-card invitations extended to Turkey and Saudi Arabia suggests similar discontent could surface over this decision as well. The emphasis on conducting anti-doping procedures jointly with the ITA shows the federation has not forgotten past scandals involving Russian athletes. However, the phrase "no additional restrictions" raises questions about how swift and smooth this return will actually be in practice.
