The Swedish and Norwegian handball federations have strongly criticised the International Handball Federation’s (IHF) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competitions without restrictions while the war in Ukraine continues.
The IHF’s decision follows recent guidance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which recommended the reintegration of Russian athletes into the Olympic Movement ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
In a statement, the Swedish Handball Federation reaffirmed its support for the position taken by the Swedish Government, the Swedish Olympic Committee and the wider Nordic sporting community, insisting there is no justification for lifting restrictions while the conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved.
The federation argued that allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes back into international competition risks legitimising Russia’s actions and providing the Kremlin with a powerful propaganda opportunity.
Swedish Handball Federation president Fredrik Rapp welcomed the united stance adopted by several European nations.
“We see it as a strength that the Swedish Government, the Swedish sports movement, our Nordic neighbours and an increasing number of European countries continue to stand together on this issue,” Rapp said.
He also pointed to the recent appeal made by the sports ministers of nine European countries, who have urged the European Commission to review funding for international sports organisations that choose to readmit Russian athletes.
According to Rapp, international sport cannot ignore the ongoing conflict while Russia continues its military offensive against Ukraine.
The Norwegian Handball Federation has expressed similar concerns.
Speaking to Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet, federation president Randi Gustad described the IHF’s decision as a mistake, although she admitted it was not entirely unexpected given recent developments within international sport.
“I do not support this decision, but unfortunately I cannot say I was surprised,” Gustad said.
She acknowledged that Norway, together with Sweden and several other Nordic countries, now represents a minority position following the IOC’s decision earlier this year.
Gustad stressed that international sport is founded on principles of peace, cooperation and respect for international law. She argued that allowing Russia and Belarus to return while the war continues risks sending the message that violations of those principles are being accepted.
“A country that is conducting an offensive war in breach of international law is acting against the very values that international sport is built upon,” she said. “Reintegration during an active conflict may be seen as normalising those violations.”
Despite the criticism, the IHF defended its decision, while reiterating its continued support for Ukraine.
In a statement, the governing body said it remains in solidarity with the Ukrainian Handball Federation and continues to condemn the war and its devastating humanitarian consequences.
The IHF’s ruling will permit Russian and Belarusian teams to compete once again in IHF-sanctioned competitions, including future World Championships.
However, the decision does not automatically apply to European tournaments, as the European Handball Federation (EHF) operates independently and will determine its own policy regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian teams.
