Following the decisions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board on 7 May and 7 July 2026, the IHF Council decided to align the IHF’s position with the IOC’s latest recommendations by lifting, with immediate effect, the ban imposed on 4 March 2022 on the participation of Russian and Belarusian teams, officials, referees, lecturers and experts in IHF events and activities. 

In accordance with the IOC's recommendation, the IHF, in collaboration with the International Testing Agency (ITA), shall implement all measures necessary to fulfil the applicable anti-doping requirements in connection with the return of Russian athletes to international handball competitions, while ensuring full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code at all times. No additional eligibility requirements or other restrictions shall apply.

In recent months, the IHF Council has taken a phased approach towards reintegration. On 24 March 2026, Russian and Belarusian youth national teams were authorised to organise and participate in self-arranged friendly matches and tournaments, subject to signed declarations confirming no relation to military or government security agencies. On 6 May 2026, the Council approved the possibility of awarding a potential wild card for the 2026 IHF Women’s U16 World Championship and/or the IHF Nations Trophy to a Russian or Belarusian team, where applicable.

The IHF recognises that full reintegration may require a transitional period for both Russian and Belarusian teams and officials. Nevertheless, the IHF looks forward to welcoming them back into the international handball community and hopes that, with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, the necessary steps will be taken to ensure a timely and effective return.

The IHF reiterates its longstanding commitment to the Ukraine Handball Federation and continues to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. It strongly condemns the ongoing war in Ukraine and its devastating consequences. It is the IHF’s sincere hope that the conflict will soon come to an end, paving the way for a return to peace, the restoration of normal sporting relations and the resumption of peaceful international cooperation.

At the same time, the IHF remains committed to safeguarding the values of sport, promoting dialogue within the international handball family, and ensuring that its decisions continue to reflect the recommendations of the IOC and the interests of the global handball community.