International Biathlon Union refuses to reinstate membership of Russia and Belarus

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has decided not to reinstate Russia and Belarus.

Source: press service for Federation Biathlon of Ukraine on Instagram

Details: The IBU took the relevant decision during its 17th Congress meeting, which is taking place from 17 to 20 September in the city of Berchtesgaden in Germany. The vote on the fate of Russia and Belarus' membership took place on Friday 18 September.

The IBU also outlined conditions for reinstating the membership of Russia and Belarus. Amongst them are distancing from the war in Ukraine and the non-involvement of athletes and federation representatives with the armed forces.

Background:

• In June of 2026, the Russian Biathlon Union sent documents to the IBU claiming to have met these conditions. After reviewing them, the IBU Executive Board established that the requirements were not met, which formed the basis for refusing reinstatement.
• This means that in the new 2026-27 season, Russian and Belarusian athletes will not have the right to participate in international competitions in any status.
• On 18 August, it was reported that the question of Russia and Belarus returning would not even be considered at the Congress in Berchtesgaden.

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