FIBA lifts restrictions on Russian, Belarusian basketball players
Moscow, September 1. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has allowed Russian and Belarusian basketball players, coaches, and referees to participate in tournaments as individuals in basketball and 3x3 basketball.
Consensus
- FIBA has removed restrictions on individual Russian and Belarusian basketball athletes, coaches, referees, and officials.
- The decision applies to both 5x5 and 3x3 formats.
- The change is effective immediately.
- National teams and clubs from Russia and Belarus are not yet allowed to participate in FIBA competitions.
- FIBA plans to review the return of national teams and clubs at its December 2026 council meeting.
- The decision aligns with the IOC's July 2026 reinstatement of the Russian Olympic Committee and its recommendation to lift all restrictions on Russian athletes.
- The IOC had previously suspended Russia's Olympic Committee on October 12, 2023, and imposed a neutral status for athletes starting March 28, 2023.
Points of divergence
- The return of national teams and clubs is contingent on resolving issues related to safety, logistics, visas, and anti-doping control, with the process expected to take at least two to three years. — fontanka
- FIBA is coordinating with the IOC and other international bodies to find a pathway for Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2028 Olympics, especially given that qualification for the 2027 World Cup is already underway without Russia. — fontanka
- Final decisions on team participation, including anti-doping issues, will be made after coordination with the IOC, the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, and other relevant organizations. — vm
- FIBA plans to consider the return of national teams and club teams from Russia and Belarus at its December 2026 meeting, including all age groups and both Olympic disciplines. — vesti
Coverage (3 sources)
- FIBA lifted restrictions on basketball players from Russia and Belarus — Вести
- Russian basketball players returned to the international arena — Фонтанка
- FIBA lifted restrictions on Russian and Belarusian basketball players — Вечерняя Москва