FISU Reinstate Belarusian Athletes Amid Eased Restrictions

The International University Sports Federation has reinstated Belarusian and eased restrictions on Russian athletes, following IOC guidelines. This comes after similar actions by other federations. Despite complexity for Russian athletes, Russian student-athletes may now compete under national conditions. The FISU organizes the biennial World University Games.

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) announced the full reinstatement of Belarusian athletes while easing restrictions on Russian competitors previously excluded from events due to the 2022 conflict in Ukraine. This decision aligns with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other international sports federations.

The executive committee decided to reinstate Belarusian student-athletes immediately, according to the IOC’s guidance dated May 7, 2026. However, the situation regarding Russian competitors remains complex due to the IOC's maintained restrictions on senior athletes, leading FISU to introduce a uniform eligibility framework.

Under this framework, the highest restriction for events will be a neutral status for athletes. Depending on sport-specific regulations and the position of international federations, Russian student-athletes might now participate under full national conditions. This aligns with recent easing measures for aquatics, gymnastics, wrestling, and modern pentathlon athletes.