Statement on the participation of Russian teams at the IFAF European Youth Flag Football Championships 2026

In line with updated guidance from the International Olympic Committee in December 2025, IFAF has reviewed its policy on the participation of youth athletes from Russia in IFAF competition.

Following the IOC recommendation, national teams from Russia are now permitted to enter IFAF youth events and compete under their national flag.

The decision reflects a recognition – shared with the IOC – that youth athletes should not be held accountable for the actions of their governments.

The updated policy was approved by the IFAF Board at its meeting in Düsseldorf, Germany, on August 17 2026 and took immediate effect.

However, in order to facilitate visa issuance via the Italian authorities, the American Football Federation of Russia has voluntarily consented to the following measures, which will apply at the forthcoming IFAF European Youth Flag Football Championships taking place in Ferrara, Italy from September 24-26, 2026:

• National flags of the Russian Federation will not be displayed. An IFAF flag will be used instead.
• The Russian national anthem will not be played.
• The national name Russia and three-letter country code RUS will not be used. Teams will instead be referred to as TEY (Team Euro Youth.)

IFAF emphasises that these measures are exceptional – with the purpose of ensuring the young athletes from Russia can travel to compete in Italy – and do not represent any change to the federation’s stated policy on youth competition.

We also wish to take this opportunity to reiterate IFAF’s ongoing support for the people and athletes of Ukraine.