The International Handball Federation (IHF) announces that the IHF Council has decided, on 24 March 2026, to allow Russian and Belarusian youth national teams to return to international handball competitions on a gradual basis, with immediate effect.

This decision follows the IHF Council resolution dated 4 March 2022, which, in alignment with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board's recommendation,  banned all teams, officials, referees, lecturers and experts from Russia and Belarus from participating in IHF events and activities, due to the breach of the Olympic Truce by the Russian and Belarusian governments.

In reaching this decision, the IHF Council took into consideration the resolution of the Olympic Summit dated 11 December 2025, which supported the IOC Executive Board's recommendation that youth athletes holding a Russian or Belarusian passport should no longer be restricted in their access to international youth competitions, in both individual and team sports, without the need for additional eligibility requirements from International Federations.

During its video conference meeting on 2 March 2026, the IHF Council discussed the potential return of Russian and Belarusian national teams to international younger age category competitions and tasked the IHF Executive Committee with studying the matter in full and presenting a formal proposal. 

Following consultations with the Chairpersons of the Commission of Organising and Competition (COC), the Playing Rules and Referees Commission (PRC) and the Commission of Coaching and Methods (CCM), the Executive Committee submitted its proposal to the Council on 17 March 2026.

On 24 March 2026, the IHF Council approved a gradual approach to reintegration, effective immediately.

The Council's decision applies to all youth age categories up to and including U21, and is subject to the following conditions:

• Russian and Belarusian youth teams are permitted to organise and participate in self-arranged friendly matches and friendly tournaments. RUS/BLR national federations may officially confirm in which countries no restrictions are applicable and arrange matches accordingly.
• All athletes, coaches and staff representing Russia or Belarus must sign a declaration confirming that they have no relation to military or government security agencies, and no involvement in any ongoing international conflicts.

No further restrictions shall apply beyond those outlined above.

All remaining provisions of the IHF Council decision dated 4 March 2022 remain in force until further notice.

The IHF Council will convene its next meeting on 6 May 2026, during which further steps related to the broader reintegration of Russian and Belarusian national teams into international handball competitions will be discussed.