Judo Federation Readmits Russia, EU Weighs Sanctions on Federations

The International Judo Federation readmitted Russian athletes under the national flag in November 2025, marking a notable reversal of the post-2022 ban and a test case for Russia's broader return to international sports ahead of the 2028 Olympics. The decision has alarmed Brussels, with European officials considering measures against federations that permit Russia's return. This is the first major international federation to allow Russian athletes to compete under their national flag, potentially setting a precedent for other sports.