On July 15, 2026, the International Handball Federation (IHF) Council lifted the ban introduced on March 4, 2022. From now on, Russia and Belarus national teams, as well as their coaches, referees, lecturers, and officials, can participate in all IHF events — under their own flags and anthems. The decision took effect immediately.
How This Happened in Stages
Reintegration was not sudden. On March 24, 2026, the IHF allowed youth teams (up to and including the U21 category) to participate in friendly matches provided they signed a declaration confirming no ties to military structures or intelligence services. On May 6, the Council considered the possibility of granting wild cards to the women's U16 world championship and Nations Trophy. And on July 15 — following two decisions by the IOC Executive Board (May 7 and July 7) — the IHF took the final step: full reintegration without any competitive restrictions.
Declaration Instead of Verification
The only filter remaining is a signature by an athlete or official on a statement confirming no connection to the military or security forces. It is impossible to verify this signature independently: the IHF relies exclusively on self-declaration. Anti-doping control during Russia's return has been entrusted to the International Testing Agency (ITA) — but this is a standard procedure, not an additional measure in response to reintegration.
"The IHF recognizes that full reintegration may require a transition period for both Russian and Belarusian teams and officials."
— Official IHF Statement, July 15, 2026
At the same time, the federation confirmed "long-standing commitments to the Ukraine Handball Federation," condemned the war, and expressed hope for peace — without any connection between this rhetoric and the conditions for the aggressor's return.
What This Means in Practice
- Russia and Belarus compete under their own flags and anthems — the status of "neutral athlete" has been completely eliminated.
- The 2022 ban affected everyone — players, coaches, referees, lecturers, experts. Now there are no restrictions for any of these categories.
- The IHF decision is synchronized with the IOC's position, which announced the lifting of its own recommendations regarding the ban on July 7 — that is, eight days before the IHF's step.
- Other federations chose a different path: the IIHF (ice hockey) denied Russia and Belarus youth teams even for the 2026–27 season, citing insufficient reduction of security risks.
IHF President Hassan Moustafa publicly announced Russia's return to international competitions from 2026 as early as 2025 — meaning the Council's decision in July was a predictable step, not a response to a change in the security situation.
If other major federations (particularly the EHF — European Handball Federation) do not introduce their own restrictions on hosting tournaments with Russia and Belarus on their territory, then at the 2027 World Championship, these teams will compete in full format — under the flags of countries that continue to wage war against Ukraine.
