In brief
The IOC temporarily lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee after a legal review confirmed the ROC no longer operates in Ukrainian territories.
The International Volleyball Federation immediately readmitted Russian athletes and officials to all its competitions, following the IOC's recommendation.
Russian teams re-entered the world rankings with 352.10 points, the same total they had in 2023, putting them third despite a four-year competitive absence.
Sports minister Jakub Rutnicki and deputy minister Piotr Borys strongly criticised the IOC, calling the move scandalous and demanding continued sporting isolation of Russia.
FIVB has not yet ruled on whether Russian teams may use their national flag and anthem; separate decisions are expected after consultations with CEV.
- Ranking reinstatedRussia re-enters world rankings at 3rd place with 352.10 points.
- 2026 European ChampionshipsRussia will not participate in this year's European Championships.
- 2027 Nations League & World ChampionshipsRussia expected to compete; World Championships to be held in Poland.
IOC lifts suspension
On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the temporary lifting of the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). The decision followed a legal review which found that the ROC no longer includes any regional sports organisations from territories under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, and that the ROC confirmed it does not and will not conduct any activities in those areas. The IOC will continue to monitor the situation.
FIVB acts swiftly
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) responded the very next day, on Wednesday, announcing that Russian athletes, coaches, and technical officials in all volleyball disciplines may return to FIVB world and official competitions. The federation stated it was following the IOC Executive Board's recommendation that the conditions of participation for Russian athletes and teams no longer apply.
“Russian athletes and technical officials in all disciplines will be able to return to FIVB world and official competitions.”
Ranking restored at third place
Russia was not only readmitted to competition but also re-entered into the world rankings with the same number of points it held when the ranking was frozen in 2023. With 352.10 points, the Russian men's team currently sits in third place, despite not having played an official tournament for four years. The FIVB has not yet decided whether Russian teams may compete under their own flag and anthem.
Polish officials condemn move
The IOC's decision drew sharp criticism from Polish authorities. Sports minister Jakub Rutnicki wrote on X that he "strongly condemns" the move, insisting that Russian aggression against Ukraine demands special responsibility in international sport. Secretary of state in the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, Piotr Borys, called it a "scandalous decision."
“I strongly condemn the IOC's decision to temporarily lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. We consistently maintain that Russian aggression against Ukraine requires particular responsibility also in the area of international sport.”
What comes next
Russia will definitely miss this year's European Championships, but is likely to compete in next year's Nations League and the World Championships, which will be held in Poland. The FIVB also announced that the International Testing Agency (ITA) will develop and implement a dedicated anti-doping testing plan for Russian athletes. The federation added that it remains deeply concerned about the war in Ukraine, condemns all forms of violence, and will continue to support the Ukrainian volleyball community through its Volleyball Empowerment programme.