The Federation of International Bandy (FIB) acknowledges the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board on 7 July 2026 to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and to confirm that its recommendations issued to International Federations (IFs) regarding the participation of Russian athletes and teams are no longer applicable. The IOC also confirmed that all Russian athletes returning to international competition must continue to meet the applicable anti-doping requirements.
As an IOC-recognised International Federation, FIB continues to closely follow the guidance and decisions of the IOC while conducting its own governance process in accordance with the FIB Statutes.
Following the establishment of the FIB Integration Working Group (IWG) by the Executive Committee earlier this year, the Working Group has already held its first meeting and agreed on its mandate, terms of reference, consultation process and working procedures.
The recent IOC decision and its implementation will now be carefully considered by the IWG.
The IWG’s role is to assess the current situation, conduct a comprehensive consultation process with all relevant stakeholders, review approaches taken by other International Federations and prepare recommendations for consideration by the FIB Executive Committee. The IWG itself has no decision-making authority; any future decisions will remain the responsibility of the Executive Committee.
In the coming weeks, the IWG will coordinate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that every relevant perspective is carefully considered before any recommendations are submitted to the Executive Committee. FIB remains committed to a transparent, balanced and well-governed process that respects the principles of the Olympic Movement while safeguarding the interests of the sport and its members.
Further updates will be communicated as the consultation process progresses.