The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has decided to allow young volleyball players with Russian and Belarusian passports to compete in international tournaments again, the organization's press service reports.

The FIVB Board of Administration approved the decision at a meeting last Friday. The new rules will take effect on 1 January 2026.

"This is to ensure that the next generation of young volleyball and beach volleyball players have their fundamental right to participate in international competitions without any political interference," the FIVB explained.

Youth teams from Russia and Belarus will now be permitted to compete under their national symbols at international tournaments. However, the ban on senior national teams from these countries remains in place.

"FIVB remains deeply concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine and strongly condemns all forms of violence. We hope for a peaceful resolution to the situation as soon as possible and continue to support the Ukrainian volleyball community through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program," the federation added.

The decision follows a recent recommendation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to admit Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions at the youth level.