The European Volleyball Confederation allowed Russian youth teams to participate in tournaments with the flag and anthem

The European Volleyball Confederation has allowed Russian youth teams to participate in international competitions under its flag and anthem. This was reported by the press service of the All-Russian Volleyball Federation (VFV).

The message clarifies that Russian youth teams are allowed to participate in European tournaments, which, in turn, are qualifiers for international competitions.

In December 2025, the International Volleyball Federation announced the admission of youth teams of Russia and Belarus to tournaments from January 2026. Previously, the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee recommended that international federations allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in tournaments in youth disciplines with the flag and anthem. This recommendation applies to individual and team sports.

The XIV Winter Paralympic Games will start on March 6 in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Due to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under national flags and anthems, the event is boycotted by at least 11 countries.