FIAS Reinstates National Status for Russian and Belarusian Sambo Athletes
The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) has officially lifted all remaining restrictions on athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus, permitting them to compete under their respective national flags and with their national anthems at all international events. This significant policy change is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, marking a full normalization of their status within the sport.
The decision was finalized during an Executive Committee meeting on December 4, 2025, extending an earlier resolution from October 3, 2025, which had initially allowed youth and junior athletes from both nations to compete with national symbols.
Rationale Behind the Decision
FIAS stated that its decision was 'guided by the principle of equal treatment and marks a major step towards full normalisation, reversing the neutral status imposed since 2022'. The federation emphasized its commitment to the 'fundamental principles of sport, which affirm its neutrality, independence and freedom from political influence'. According to Vasily Shestakov, the Russian national who has served as FIAS President since 2009, 'Sport is a bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples, even in difficult times'. He further noted that FIAS has consistently allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in a neutral status since 2022, unlike many other international sports federations.
Timeline of Reinstatement
- Since 2022: Russian and Belarusian athletes competed under a neutral status in FIAS-sanctioned events.
- October 3, 2025: The FIAS Executive Committee, meeting in Bogor, Indonesia, approved the participation of Russian and Belarusian youth and junior athletes under their national flags and anthems.
- December 4, 2025: The Executive Committee extended this allowance to include athletes across all age categories.
- January 1, 2026: The full reinstatement, allowing all Russian and Belarusian sambo athletes to compete with national symbols, becomes effective.
Broader Sporting Context
This move by FIAS aligns with similar decisions made by other international sports federations in late 2025. The International Judo Federation, for instance, had already reinstated full national representation for Belarusian athletes in June 2025 and extended this right to Russian judokas in November 2025. Additionally, the International Paralympic Committee voted in September 2025 to reinstate the full membership rights of the National Paralympic Committees of Russia and Belarus.
However, the landscape across global sports remains varied, with some federations, such as the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), maintaining bans or facing legal challenges regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, even under neutral banners.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
Absolutely shameful. This is a clear political endorsement.
Fuerza
Sport unites people. This decision is a positive step.
Ongania
Finally, common sense prevails. Athletes shouldn't be penalized.
Fuerza
It's good to see athletes get a chance to compete, but the timing of full national reinstatement raises questions about whether it truly aligns with broader international sentiment.
Manolo Noriega
Equal treatment for athletes is a core value, however, the perception of this decision could easily be seen as condoning state actions, regardless of FIAS's stated intentions.