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IIHF Extends Russia, Belarus Ban Through 2026–27 as RIHF Appeals

Safety concerns drive the decision, with a May review planned.

Overview

  • Russian and Belarusian national and club teams remain ineligible for all IIHF events in 2026–27 following this week’s council risk assessment.
  • The ruling removes both countries from the 2026 men’s and women’s World Championships, the 2027 world juniors and U‑18 championships, and IIHF‑sanctioned club competitions.
  • The IIHF signaled it may consider reintegrating players aged 17 and under for 2027–28 if security conditions measurably improve.
  • The Russian Ice Hockey Federation said it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and argued the IIHF ignored IOC guidance on juniors.
  • IOC policy for Milano Cortina permits only neutral individual participation by Russians and Belarusians, keeping national teams out of the Olympic tournaments.