Latvia and Lithuania have announced they will not face Belarus in upcoming international hockey competitions, a move that reflects the lingering fallout from the sport’s governing body’s recent decision to readmit the Belarusian national team.
The International Ice Hockey Federation, based in Zurich, confirmed that Belarus will be eligible to compete in top‑tier events starting with the 2026‑27 season, a reversal of the suspension imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Latvia, which enacted a law in 2024 prohibiting contests against Russian and Belarusian squads, will still take part in the IIHF Under‑18 Men’s World Championship, but its schedule will avoid any matchup with the Belarusian side.
Lithuania, originally slated to compete in the Women’s Under‑18 Division III tournament, has decided to withdraw entirely, citing the inclusion of Belarus as the decisive factor behind its change of plans.
While Russia remains excluded from IIHF tournaments, the federation is currently reviewing its status, leaving the hockey community to watch how political considerations continue to shape the sport’s international calendar.
Geopolitical undercurrents
The decisions underscore how sanctions and national legislation are increasingly intersecting with international sports, influencing not only who can compete but also the broader narratives that surround each tournament.