The arrests were made as a consequence of the war in Ukraine. The international federation announced the decision in a press release on Monday.

As a result, Russia will not be allowed to participate in WC U20 and WC U18 for women. It is also irrelevant to give the country the opportunity to participate in this summer’s world championship in sand handball for men.

The International Handball Federation (IHF) points out that the exception is in line with the recommendations made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and previous decisions taken by the European Handball Federation (EHF).

It is further stated that more information about the consequences of the exception will come eventually.

The IHF wrote that they have great faith in “building a peaceful and better world through sport and the ideals of the Olympics”.

Norwegian club advance to semifinals with walkover

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently recommended that Russia and Belarus be banned from all international sporting competitions. The same has been done by several other prominent sports players.

The European Handball Federation has banned all Russian and Belarusian teams and players. The decision had consequences for the Norwegian team in various European Cups.

Nærbø was drawn against Belarusian SKA Minsk in the quarter-finals of the European Cup. It is now clear that the Norwegian club will advance to the semifinals by walkover, all the time the Minsk team will not be allowed to participate in the tournament.