Russia’s national water polo team. AP/Mark Humphrey
As reported by World Aquatics
World Aquatics has officially announced the inclusion of neutral teams from Russia and Belarus in international water polo competitions under a neutral flag. These provisions are enshrined in the organization’s new document, which comes into effect on January 1, 2026 and regulates athletes’ participation during armed conflicts.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus were temporarily suspended from global aquatic competitions. However, already in 2023 World Aquatics made a decision to return athletes from these countries to tournaments under neutral status with restrictions, in particular not involving them in team disciplines. In November 2024 the organization updated the rules on the participation of neutral athletes in aquatic disciplines, allowing competition in team events in artistic swimming, diving, and swimming. At the same time, water polo remained outside the list due to the nature of physical contact between participants.
Under the new document, starting next year, water polo will be added to the list of sports in which athletes from conflict-participant countries will be allowed to compete in team events.
Participation of neutral athletes in team disciplines contradicts the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, which in 2023 allowed Russians and Belarusians to compete only in individual events against the backdrop of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
What restrictions remain? Neutral status means competing without using a flag and anthem. The name of the competition is Neutral Individual Athletes. Participants must not be under contract with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or Belarus or other state security forces; athletes must not publicly support the war in Ukraine, including on social media. The uniforms and outfits of neutral individual athletes must be entirely white. No government or civil servant will be invited or accredited to the event, and there are no plans for World Aquatics events in Russia or Belarus.
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