The IIHF announced Tuesday that the Russian and Belarusian national teams will remain barred from competition for at least another year. The International Olympic Committee still has to decide whether to include the former in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
However, that means the clubs won’t be able to field squads for the 2026 World Championship or the 2026 World Juniors, among other competitions. This marks the fourth straight competition season without the two countries. “As the current security conditions do not allow the necessary requirements for the organization of tournaments guaranteeing the safety of all, the IIHF must maintain the current status quo until further notice,” the international governing body said in a statement.
The IIHF initially suspended all Russian and Belarusian national teams and clubs in February 2022 following the former country’s illegal invasion of Ukraine with Belarusian support. By May 2026, they will determine whether it’s “safe to reincorporate” the two countries into international play for the 2026-27 season.
Belarus was already disqualified from next year’s Olympics because it was barred from participating in the required qualification tournament. Russia, whose world ranking is high enough that it doesn’t need a qualification tournament to get in, could still field a team for the tournament if the IOC allows it. No Russian or Belarusian teams were allowed to participate in any sport at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Still, some individuals from both countries participated under an Individual Neutral Athletes banner.
“One of the IIHF’s arguments for not permitting Russia to compete in its tournaments is the issue of safety,” ex-NHLer and Russian Hockey Federation representative Pavel Bure told Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff. “In our opinion, this argument does not hold enough strength. More than 50 Russians play in the NHL. Russian swimmers, chess players and representatives of other sports are participating in international competitions without any incidents being recorded. One of our suggestions was to finance additional security for Russia, in order to allow fans across the planet to watch one of the world’s best teams in action again.“
IIHF gonna IIHF
Ban them forever. Although I suspect traitor Trump will attempt to get involved to help his patron saint Putin.
Without question both countries should be banned from the Olympics. Russia specifically should have a lifetime ban.
Following the logic the IIHF is using we never would’ve had the 1980 Miracle on Ice because the USSR would’ve been banned. This decision is dumb.
To be decided?
Like…we’re still thinking about it?
Re: the Olympics? That’s far more than just hockey – the IOC’s decision will affect RUS/BLR’s participation in all events. Not under the IIHF’s jurisdiction or any hockey-specific body.