The International Handball Federation (IHF) has lifted sanctions imposed on Russian and Belarusian national teams after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, allowing them to compete in international tournaments under their own flags and anthems.
The decision, announced on July 15, 2026, follows the International Olympic Committee’s reinstatement of the Russian Olympic Committee and its recommendation that global sports federations remove all restrictions on athletes from both countries. The IHF said its council approved the full reintegration of Russian and Belarusian teams.
#### Doping checks required
Before the teams can return to competition, the IHF, in coordination with the International Testing Agency, must conduct doping tests on athletes from Russia and Belarus. The measure is part of the reinstatement process.
The IHF had originally imposed sanctions shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The federation’s latest move aligns with the IOC’s broader push to reintegrate Russian and Belarusian athletes into international sport, a policy that has drawn criticism from Ukraine and its allies.
#### International context
Ukrainian officials and sports bodies have long argued that allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under national symbols normalizes aggression and legitimizes the occupation of Ukrainian territory. The IHF’s decision was announced as Ukrainian sport continues to suffer from war-related destruction. According to Ukrainian authorities, 682 athletes and coaches have been killed since 2014, and more than 891 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed, including Olympic and Paralympic training bases.
The IHF’s press release stated: “The IHF Council has today approved the full reintegration of Russian and Belarusian teams and individual athletes into IHF competitions.” The federation cited the IOC’s updated position as the basis for the policy change.
The move is the latest in a series of decisions by international sports federations to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes, following similar steps in other disciplines. The full timeline for the handball teams’ return to competition has not yet been announced.
For further details, see the IHF’s official announcement: [IHF Council approves full reintegration of Russian and Belarusian teams](https://www.ihf.info/index.php/media-center/news/ihf-council-approves-full-reintegration-russian-and-belarusian-teams-and).
