The World Curling Federation Council (World Curling) has decided to extend the suspension of adult Russian athletes from international competitions through the end of 2026, UNN reports, citing the NOC.
Details
In making its decision, World Curling took into account the latest recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the positions of national federations that are World Curling members, as well as those of the organizers of international competitions scheduled for 2026.
Following its consideration, the World Curling Council concluded that the return of adult Russian athletes to international competitions would currently create significant risks to the integrity of competitions. The federation emphasized its responsibility to hold tournaments in a safe and fair environment for all participants.
The suspension of Russian adult athletes from international curling competitions has been in effect since 2022. At the same time, in January 2026, World Curling allowed Russian and Belarusian juniors to return to international competitions. This decision did not apply to adult national teams, whose suspension remained in effect.
The federation separately reported that the Russian Curling Federation is challenging its suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). A decision in the case is expected in the near future.
The NOC emphasized that World Curling's decision represents a consistent and responsible position of the international federation. As long as Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine continues, maintaining restrictions on the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions remains an important demonstration of the principled position of the international sports community and its solidarity with Ukraine.
We remind you
On July 28, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine began the procedure for appealing the IOC decision of July 7 concerning the temporary restoration of the rights of the Russian Olympic Committee.