FIVB Strips Russia of World Championship
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has stripped Russia of this year's Volleyball Men’s World Championship following the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia was due to host the World Championship across 10 cities between August 26 and September 11.
Volleyball Nations League (VNL) games had already been moved from Russia in response to the invasion, but the FIVB was slower to act when it came to the World Championship.
“Following Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, the FIVB remains gravely concerned by the escalating situation and for the safety of the people of Ukraine,” a statement read.
“The FIVB Board of Administration has come to the conclusion that it would be impossible to prepare and stage the World Championships in Russia due to the war in Ukraine.
“It has accordingly decided to remove from Russia the organization of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship scheduled to be held in August and September 2022.”
The FIVB is now seeking an alternative host or hosts, confirming that the Russian Volleyball Federation had been informed of the removal.
This was as part of sanctions imposed against the Russian Anti-doping Agency for manipulation of data from the Moscow Laboratory.
Russia could only host major events, such as the World Championship, "unless it is legally or practically impossible" to move them.
The FIVB said WADA acknowledged the tournament came under this exemption.