FISU modifies the eligibility of Russian and Belarusian student-athletes at its events

Following the recent recommendations made by the International Olympic Committee and due to diverse positioning from the International Sports Federations, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) immediately adopts a uniform eligibility framework to ensure consistency across its competitions.

The International University Sports Federation Executive Committee has decided today to reinstate student-athletes with a Belarusian passport at all its events with immediate effect, in line with the IOC’s 7 May 2026 recommendations.

As far as Russian student-athletes are concerned, the situation is more complex. The IOC has not lifted its senior restrictions for Russian athletes but recommends that youth athletes should not be held accountable for the actions of their governments, a position that strongly resonates with student-athletes.

Moreover, a  growing number of International Federations have lifted restrictions on Russian athletes at senior level, while others maintain full bans or neutrality conditions. Consequently, FISU’s current practice of uniquely mirroring applicable IF positions no longer produces a coherent result.

A uniform eligibility framework

FISU has therefore adopted a uniform eligibility framework for Russian student-athletes. Under this framework, outright exclusion of Russian student-athletes on grounds of nationality alone is considered disproportionate and inconsistent with FISU’s educational mission. Neutrality conditions – participation without national flag, uniform, etc. – constitute the maximum restriction applicable at any FISU event, regardless of the position of the applicable International Federation. At the same time, where the applicable International Federation has fully reinstated Russian athletes, FISU mirrors that position. Russian student-athletes may therefore, depending on the sport and the applicable IF position, be eligible to participate at FISU events under full national conditions.