European archery federation to lift restrictions on Russian athletes from 2027
WAE said it approved the return of representatives of the Russian Archery Federation after discussions. It cited what it called the "best interests of the athletes" and the need to preserve "unity, fairness, and integrity."
Under the decision, restrictions on Russian participation in WAE events will end on January 1, 2027. The move covers not only individual athletes but also Russian teams and official representatives.
However, the federation stressed that lifting its restrictions does not automatically remove other barriers to Russian participation in international competitions. Host countries' requirements, visa restrictions, national laws and government regulations will remain in force.
The federation's statement said:
"WAE will continue to assess the situation where events in Europe are hosted and comply with any applicable national regulations."
WAE also expressed support for Ukraine's sporting community, saying it "remains committed to supporting the Ukrainian archery community and all those affected by the ongoing war."
In July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) restored the Russian Olympic Committee's page on its official website. The page had been unavailable since 2023, when the IOC suspended the Russian committee's membership.
The move followed a July 7 decision by the IOC Executive Board to temporarily lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and withdraw its recommendations restricting Russian athletes' participation in international competitions.
The IOC said its 2022 and 2023 recommendations on Russian athletes and teams would no longer apply. However, it will continue to avoid holding IOC events in Russia and inviting Russian government officials to its events.
The IOC's decision drew criticism from several European countries. Estonia and eight other countries called on the European Union to cut the IOC's funding over its easing of restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes. Other European countries also condemned the move and opposed Russia's full return to international sports.
Following the IOC's lead, several international sports federations have begun changing their policies toward Russian athletes. The moves have drawn sharp criticism from European governments and raised questions about the future of sanctions imposed on Russia for more than two years.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has also lifted restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in its events. It is considering allowing the countries' national teams to return to international tournaments.
On October 30, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to ensure that Russian national teams can return to international competitions in the 2026-27 season.
Russia had previously been barred from the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship, which will take place in Germany.
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6 of November 2026
