Europe’s governing volleyball body CEV to study FIVB’s decision on Russia

Lead

The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) has taken note of the International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) decision to lift restrictions on Russian athletes and will discuss the implications at a later date, according to a statement reported by TASS.

The decision follows the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recommendation to lift restrictions on Russian athletes in international tournaments, as well as its provisional lifting of the Russian Olympic Committee’s suspension.

Coverage Comparison

TASS reported the CEV’s response to the FIVB decision, quoting a statement in which the CEV says it “notes the decision of the FIVB Board of Administration following the updated recommendations from the IOC Executive Board and will convene in due course to discuss the implications of this decision on CEV events.” The statement adds that the CEV will not make further comments on the matter until these discussions have concluded.

TASS also reported the FIVB’s own statement on lifting restrictions, in which the federation said the display of the Russian flag, anthem, colors, or other identifications would be at the discretion of the FIVB and CEV and decided in due time in consultation with relevant international sports organizations to guarantee the full participation of athletes.

Key Claims

• CEV to review FIVB decision: According to TASS, the CEV has acknowledged the FIVB’s decision and plans to convene to discuss its implications for CEV events.
• FIVB lifts restrictions on Russian athletes: The FIVB’s Board of Administration ruled to lift all previously imposed restrictions against Russia, following recommendations from the IOC.
• IOC actions: The IOC provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and recommended lifting restrictions on Russian athletes in all international tournaments.
• Athletes’ rights: The FIVB stated its commitment to protecting the fundamental right of athletes to participate in competitions.
• Anti-doping measures: A dedicated anti-doping testing plan is to be developed in connection with the lifting of restrictions.

Context

The IOC imposed sanctions on Russia in February 2022, recommending that international sports federations prohibit athletes from Russia and Belarus from participating in international tournaments. The FIVB’s recent decision reverses previously imposed restrictions against Russian athletes and follows the IOC’s updated recommendations.

The FIVB also noted that the Russian national teams will be restored to their previous World Ranking points, as they had at the time the restrictions were imposed. The question of whether Russian athletes will compete under their national flag, anthem, or colors remains open, with the FIVB and CEV saying this will be decided in consultation with relevant international sports organizations.

The FIVB said its decision is based on its commitment to protecting the fundamental right of athletes to participate in competitions regardless of their nationality. Additionally, a dedicated anti-doping testing plan will be developed in line with the IOC’s recommendations.

Key Claims

• The FIVB lifted restrictions on Russian athletes, as reported by TASS.
• The CEV will convene to discuss the implications of the FIVB decision on CEV events, according to a statement reported by TASS.
• The IOC provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and recommended lifting restrictions on Russian athletes internationally, as reported by TASS.
• The FIVB states its commitment to protecting athletes’ rights, and plans to develop a comprehensive anti-doping testing plan.