Russia has been stripped of hosting rights for the European Handball Federation’s (EHF) women’s national team championships in 2026.

In a statement following an EHF executive committee meeting in Vienna, Austria last week, the continental body said: “For the women's EHF Euro 2026 the mandate was given to establish contact to the Russian handball federation as awarded organizers due to the current situation [regarding Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine].

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

"This contact has been established … with the outcome that holding the event in Russia is not possible within the given timetable.

“Therefore, an alternative host shall be sought by the EHF according to the decision of the executive committee. Additional information on the new awarding process will be provided in due time.”

The decision has been taken as Russia's deployment inside Ukraine, which began in February 2022, continues.

Following the invasion, the International Handball Federation banned all teams, officials, referees, and other personnel from both Russia and Belarus from taking part in its tournaments.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Russia had been awarded hosting rights to the 2026 EHF women’s Euros in November 2021 at an EHF extraordinary congress.

The 2022 edition of the biennial tournament (won by Norway) was held across Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia, while the 2024 Euros will be staged in Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland.

Russia had also bid for hosting rights to next year’s tournament but was eliminated in the first round of voting.

Image: BSR Agency/Getty Images