The International Ice Hockey Federation has kept Russia off its international tournament schedule for the third straight year, a move that will keep Russian clubs and national teams absent from the 2027 men’s world championship, the junior tournament, and the under‑18 events.
A lingering ban
The ban, originally imposed in 2022 over safety and security concerns, was reaffirmed in January by the IIHF’s Disciplinary Board, which cited insufficient evidence to justify reinstatement. In May, the board overturned an earlier decision that had allowed limited participation, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Russia’s return.
A separate review will take place in November 2026, when the IIHF Council plans to assess Russia’s eligibility for the women’s world championship, a competition that has not been part of the broader suspension.
Belarus' limited return
While Russia remains excluded, neighboring Belarus, also suspended since 2022, has been granted partial reinstatement for three events in the 2026‑27 season, offering a glimpse of how the federation is navigating geopolitical tensions.
The decisions highlight the IIHF’s cautious approach, balancing competitive integrity with the need to address concerns that have lingered since the 2022 upheaval. Stakeholders will watch closely as the November review unfolds, knowing that any shift could reshape the landscape of international ice hockey.