Ice hockey-Russia, Belarus still barred from men's World Championship as IIHF extends ban

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has confirmed that Russia and Belarus will continue to be excluded from most major international ice hockey tournaments through the 2026-27 season. This decision, announced on July 30, comes amid ongoing concerns over safety, security, and the integrity of the sport. As a result, Russian teams will not participate in key events such as the men’s World Championship, World Junior Championship, and both men’s and women’s Under-18 World Championships during the upcoming season. Belarus remains banned from the World Junior Championship, though the IIHF had previously indicated intentions to allow the country’s teams back into certain lower-tier competitions, including the men’s and women’s under-18 events and the Women’s Division IV World Championship. The IIHF stated that the eligibility of Russia for the Women’s World Championship in 2027 will be evaluated separately by the IIHF Council in November 2026. This review will consider the prevailing circumstances and risk assessments at that time. The exclusion of Russia and Belarus dates back to February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Belarus faced sanctions due to its support of Moscow’s military actions. In May of this year, the IIHF announced it would assess Russia’s potential participation in the 2026-27 season on an event-by-event basis. However, the latest decision reaffirms the current bans, despite a previous January ruling that had temporarily barred Russian teams from all international competitions at every level. That ruling was overturned after an appeal by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. The continued suspension affects Russian players, many of whom compete in the National Hockey League (NHL), who are still unable to represent their national team in IIHF-sanctioned tournaments. Russia was also excluded from this year’s Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. This situation stands in contrast to the recent decisions made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Earlier this month, the IOC provisionally lifted its ban on the Russian Olympic Committee, a move interpreted as a sign of Russia’s possible gradual return to the Olympic movement ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The IOC had recommended in December that international federations consider allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes under the age of 23 to compete, indicating a broader trend toward reintegration in select sports. Russia has historically been a dominant force in international ice hockey, having claimed five IIHF World Championship titles since gaining independence. The next edition of the Men’s World Championship is scheduled to take place in Germany in May 2025. The IIHF’s decision reflects a complex balancing act between maintaining the integrity of the sport and navigating geopolitical tensions. While the organization has shown willingness to reassess situations periodically, particularly regarding Russia’s potential inclusion in the Women’s World Championship, the overall stance remains firm against the participation of Russian and Belarusian teams in higher-profile events. The IIHF’s statement emphasized that each event would be considered individually, with decisions based on specific circumstances and risk evaluations. This approach allows for flexibility while ensuring that the federation can respond appropriately to evolving conditions. The exclusion of Russia and Belarus continues to impact the global ice hockey landscape, affecting player eligibility, tournament structures, and fan engagement. With the upcoming evaluation for the Women’s World Championship set for late 2026, the IIHF will likely face pressure from various stakeholders, including players, fans, and other member nations, to provide clarity and consistency in its policies.