Russia and Belarus excluded from all FISU competitions and activities in 2022

Russia and Belarus will not participate in any International University Sports Federation (FISU) competitions or activities through the end of 2022. The decision was announced by the FISU Steering Committee, who “condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” and “deplored the continued suffering in Ukraine.”

Ultimately, the decision bars Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating at the federation’s flagship event, the Summer World University Games, which are due to take place in Chengdu, China in August.

The decision could also complicate preparations for the 2023 Summer World University Games which are due to be held in Ekaterinburg, Russia. The FISU Steering Committee did not give any indication as to whether or not Russia would be allowed to remain as host of the Games, but they have already stripped Russia of the hosting rights for other FISU competitions in 2022.

Prior to the most recent announcement, the FISU Steering Committee had already cancelled and removed the FISU University World Cup Powerlifting and FISU World Cup Rugby Sevens from Russia. Belarus also lost the hosting rights for the 2022 FISU World University Championship Waterski and Wakeboard event.

The 2022 FISU University World Cup Combat Sports has also been removed from Russia. The event, which features competitions across six combat sports, was one of the newest editions to the FISU calendar. The event has not been cancelled by the FISU, but no further information outside of its removal from Russia has been communicated.

On top of the sanctions placed on Russia and Belarus, the FISU Steering Committee also created a dedicated fund for the Ukrainian university sports community. Like the fund created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the FISU’s fund will be used for “humanitarian support,” as well as general assistance to help Ukrainian delegations attend FISU competitions and activities.