The International Handball Federation has lifted all sanctions on Russia and Belarus, the IHF Council decided on July 15, 2026, ending a ban imposed on March 4, 2022, that barred teams, officials, referees, coaches, and experts from both nations from international competition.
The decision means Russian and Belarusian sides are eligible to re-enter IHF-sanctioned tournaments, including world championships, with immediate effect. However, European championships fall outside the ruling, as they are organised by the European Handball Federation. The IHF said it will take all necessary steps to enforce anti-doping requirements as athletes return.
The move follows a broader trend across international sport. The International Olympic Committee's executive board recommended on July 7 that Russian athletes be readmitted to international events in full. The International Volleyball Federation and the International Table Tennis Federation subsequently lifted their own restrictions on July 8 and July 13, respectively.