The International Floorball Federation – IFF General Assembly, which was held on Saturday the 14th of December in Malmö, Sweden in connection to the IFF World Floorball Championships discussed the Ukrainian Floorball Federation motion to expel the National Floorball Federation of Russia (NFFR), from IFF membership.
The reasoning for this motion was the due to the Russian war against Ukraine and to its actions that are fundamentally incompatible with the statutes and principles of the IFF. These actions include support for Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, hindering broad participation in floorball in Russia and the incorporation of organisation from occupied Ukrainian territories into the NFFR organization. The IFF General Assembly approved after a vote the IFF Central Board recommendation to the motion:
IFF will continue to follow the IOC recommendation and as we have a clear system for inclusion of all nations into our events and activities, the participation of Russia or Belarus is therefore not at all presently possible in any form.
The IFF General Assembly however decided to give a statement in support of Ukraine and that the IFF stands in unwavering solidarity with Ukrainian Floorball Federation and its floorball community, recognizing their resilience and perseverance in the face of unprecedented challenges. The Assembly pledges its full commitment to supporting the recovery and development of Ukrainian floorball and calls on all member associations to actively assist the Ukrainian Floorball Federation during this critical time.
The IFF General Assembly unequivocally condemns Russia’s war of aggression, which violates international law and the fundamental values of the floorball and general sports community. The actions of the NFFR further undermine the integrity and unity of the sport and demonstrate a disregard for international norms.
Through this statement of the IFF General Assembly, the IFF underscores its dedication to peace, fairness, and respect, affirming that the principles of sport and humanity must prevail over aggression and injustice.
International Floorball Federation
Filip Suman John Liljelund
IFF President IFF Secretary general
