International Ice Hockey Federation Extends Ban on Russia, Belarus

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has decided to extend the suspension of the national teams of Russia and Belarus from competitions, the organisation's website reports.  

‘After its last meeting this morning, the IIHF Council believes that it is not yet safe for the national and club teams of Russia and Belarus to return to the championships in the 2025-2026 season. Since the current security conditions do not allow for the necessary requirements for the organisation of tournaments to guarantee the safety of all, the IIHF must maintain the current status quo until further notice,’ the statement said.  

The federation said that the IIHF Council will continue to monitor the situation and consider the possible return of the teams for the 2026/2027 season in May 2026.  

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation has already expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, noting that their team will not be allowed to participate in the 2026 World Championships to be held in Switzerland.  

The national teams of Russia and Belarus have been suspended from international competitions since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The teams have already missed three World Cups and will likely not participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.  

Last September, the International Ski Federation (FIS) in Zurich also decided to extend the suspension of athletes from Russia and Belarus from the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships amid the war in Ukraine.