Russia and Belarus barred from ice hockey world championships next season

The International Ice Hockey Federation has extended the ban on Russia and Belarus through the 2026–2027 season, citing continuing security, safety and sporting integrity concerns, ERR reported.

Russian teams will not compete in any major IIHF tournament next season, including the men’s World Championship, the junior world championship and the men’s and women’s under 18 world championships.

Belarus will also miss the junior world championship, although the IIHF had previously considered allowing the country to return to a lower-level tournament.

The IIHF said Russia’s possible participation in the 2027 Women’s World Championship would be assessed separately in November 2026, based on the situation and a risk analysis at that time.

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation said it would appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It called the IIHF’s position short-sighted and contrary to recommendations from the International Olympic Committee and the unifying nature of sport.

Russia and Belarus have been excluded from IIHF competitions since February 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Belarus was sanctioned for supporting Moscow’s military activities.

Although the IOC has taken steps in recent months towards the gradual reintegration of Russian athletes and recommended that international sports federations allow young athletes to return to competition, the IIHF has not changed its position.

The continuing ban means that Russian hockey players in the NHL still cannot represent their country at IIHF tournaments.

The next Ice Hockey World Championship will be held in Germany in May 2027.