COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 1, 2022) – On Saturday, Feb. 26, USA Volleyball informed the FIVB (the international volleyball federation) that the U.S. Men’s National Team would not participate in the 2022 FIVB Men’s World Championship if it was held in Russia.
This letter was sent in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to the International Olympic Committee’s recommendation that international events be pulled out of Russia.
USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis wrote in the letter:
“In light of Russia’s recent aggression against Ukraine and the instability in the region, the United States will not be sending our men’s national team to compete in said event should Russia remain as the host.
“I need to prioritize the safety of our athletes and staff and feel that it would not be safe for them to travel to Russia under the current conditions.
“I implore the FIVB to take the proper steps to move the 2022 World Championships to a new host country where all delegations from around the world will be able to compete in a safe environment.”
On Tuesday, March 1, the FIVB announced that the Men’s World Championship was being removed from Russia and also that “Russian and Belarusian national teams, clubs, officials and beach volleyball and snow volleyball athletes are not eligible to participate in all international and continental events until further notice.”