FIBA has lifted restrictions on individual Russian and Belarusian players, coaches, and officials following the IOC’s recent decision. However, the ruling on whether national teams and clubs can return to international competitions will be decided by the FIBA Central Board in December.

Following the International Olympic Committee’s decision to lift the suspension for Russian and Belarusian athletes, FIBA announced that its Executive Committee confirmed FIBA’s alignment with the IOC.

FIBA lifts suspension for Russian players and staff

Per FIBA’s press release, the lifting of the ban for Russian and Belarusian athletes will first be applied to individual players, coaches, and other personnel.

“With respect to the participation of individuals, [it’s been decided] to lift the restrictions on all players, coaches, referees, commissioners and other officials in Basketball and 3×3 Basketball. Russian and Belarusian individual players can participate, and officials can be nominated in all FIBA competitions with immediate effect,” the statement notes.

Russian national teams and clubs await key decision

However, a decision on whether Russian national teams and clubs will be allowed to compete in international competitions will be made in December.

“With respect to the participation of teams, to work closely with the IOC, ASOIF and other Olympic team sports federations to address the logistical and player safety issues surrounding the reintegration of Russian and Belarusian national teams on the Road to LA28 as well as in the international competitions for national teams and clubs in all ages and in both Olympic disciplines of FIBA. 

“Concrete decisions that can be implemented in this respect, including an adequate anti-doping program, will be taken at the FIBA Central Board meeting in December 2026,” notes FIBA’s release.

IOC restrictions on Russian athletes no longer apply

The IOC provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) on July 7, marking a major step toward the return of Russian athletes to international Olympic competitions.

The ROC had been suspended since October 12, 2023, after recognizing regional sports organizations from territories that fall under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

According to the IOC, the suspension was lifted after the ROC no longer included those regional sports organizations as members and confirmed it would not conduct activities in those territories.

With qualification already underway for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games, the IOC said its previous recommendations to International Federations regarding Russian athletes and teams are no longer applicable.

This means the IOC is no longer recommending the same participation restrictions that had been in place since 2022 and 2023.

However, the final decision on Russian athletes’ participation still depends on each International Federation and competition organizer.

The IOC also made clear that the decision does not change its position on the war in Ukraine.

The organization said it continues to condemn the Russian invasion and remains in solidarity with the Olympic community of Ukraine.

Credit Reuters-Scanpix

Russian flag and anthem decision still not made

The IOC has not yet decided whether Russian athletes will be allowed to compete under the Russian flag, anthem, colors, or other national symbols at the Olympic Games.

For now, that decision will be made at a later time.

The IOC also said it will not organize IOC events in Russia and will not invite the Russian government or state officials to its events.

Anti-doping rules remain a key condition

Russian athletes returning to international competition will still need to meet anti-doping requirements.

The IOC said returning athletes must be part of an anti-doping program delegated to the International Testing Agency.

Athletes newly returning to international competition must also be tested multiple times before being allowed back, based on a sports risk assessment.

If RUSADA remains non-compliant before the 2028 Olympics, the IOC said it will instruct the ITA to ensure that all qualified Russian athletes are independently tested.

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