{"id":195855,"date":"2026-07-15T18:59:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T15:59:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/195855\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T18:59:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T15:59:42","slug":"international-handball-federation-clears-belarusian-teams-to-compete","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/195855\/","title":{"rendered":"International Handball Federation clears Belarusian teams to compete"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

July 15, Pozirk.<\/em> <\/strong>The International Handball Federation (IHF) has lifted its ban on participation of Belarusian teams, officials, referees, lecturers and experts in IHF events and activities, its website says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The IHF Council made the decision, citing recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding Belarus approved on May 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ban, which had been in place since March 2022, has been lifted with an immediate effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparations for the Belarusian teams\u2019 return was actually facilitated in late March, when Belarusian youth national teams were authorized to organize and participate in independently arranged friendly matches and tournaments, provided they signed declarations confirming no affiliation with military or state security agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe IHF recognizes that full reintegration may require a transitional period for both Russian and Belarusian teams and officials,\u201d the statement reads. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the IHF stressed its support for the Ukrainian Handball Federation and solidarity with Ukraine, condemning Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On May 7, the IOC withdrew its earlier recommendations that sports bodies restrict participation of Belarusian athletes and teams. Ukraine expressed protest and disappointment with the IOC decision, stressing that it contradicted the fundamental principles of justice, responsibility and Olympic values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Russia launched a full-scale war on Ukraine with the help of authorities in Minsk in February 2022, the IOC urged sports federations to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from all competitions. Later, it recommended that some of them could be allowed as neutral athletes under certain conditions, such as not supporting the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All restrictions on Belarusian athletes have been lifted by the World Dance Sport Federation, the World Confederation of Billiards Sports, the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations, World Gymnastics, European Gymnastics, the International Volleyball Federation and World Boxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the International Tennis Federation, World Athletics and the International Basketball Federation have maintained restrictions imposed in connection with Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine and the Belarusian regime\u2019s role in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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