CEV lifts ban on Russian volleyball clubs for 2027 season

The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) has decided to lift the ban on Russian club teams participating in European competitions. Following a General Assembly held in Milan on September 24, Russian clubs are scheduled to return to elite tournaments, such as the Champions League, CEV Cup, and Challenge Cup, starting from the 2027/2028 season.

This decision follows a similar move by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), which reinstated Russian national teams to the world rankings and unfreezing their points. This allows both men's and women's national teams to potentially participate in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) as early as 2027.

The return is subject to specific conditions. For the initial season of their return (2027/2028), Russian clubs will not be permitted to host home matches on Russian territory. The one-year lead time provided by the CEV is intended to allow for the necessary logistical preparations for their reintegration into European competition.