A conditional pathway for Russian and Belarusian hockey
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has said it will decide on the eligibility of Russian and Belarusian clubs and national teams on an event‑by‑event basis for the upcoming 2026‑27 season.
The move follows the reversal of a blanket ban that had been imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a decision that was itself triggered by an appeal from the Russian Ice Hockey Federation.
IIHF clarified that the annulment of the previous ban does not automatically restore full participation, and each competition will be examined individually.
At the same time, the governing body confirmed that Belarus will be allowed to compete in selected under‑18 and women’s tournaments this year, after a thorough review and consultation with stakeholders.
The council highlighted that the reintegration is being approached with caution, aiming to do so in a safe, responsible and controlled manner while keeping the international hockey family connected through sport.
Observers note that the policy could affect a range of events, from world championships to qualifying matches, and that national federations will need to submit applications for each tournament they wish to enter.
Balancing competition and responsibility
The IIHF’s stance reflects a broader effort to navigate the intersection of sport and geopolitics, seeking to preserve the integrity of competitions while respecting the complex diplomatic landscape.
Stakeholders, including players, coaches and fans, are waiting for further details on the criteria that will be used to assess each case, but the federation has indicated that transparency will be a key component of the process.