“The national teams of Russia and Belarus did not allow the Federation of Hockey to dismiss Russia and Belarus from participation in the World Cup-2026 at the World Cup. The decision on the participation of these countries in the competitions of 2027 will be considered in May 2026.”, – WRITE ON: Unn.ua
After its last meeting this morning, the IIHF Council believes that the reintegration of national and club teams of Russia and Belarus in the Championships of the 2025-2026 season is still dangerous. Since current security conditions do not allow the necessary requirements for organizing tournaments that guarantee safety for all, IIHF must maintain current status quo until further notification
It is noted that the decision on the participation of representatives of the two states in the competitions of 2027 will be decided in May 2026 at a meeting of the IIHF Council on the eve of the annual Congress of the Organization.
Addition
In the Federation of Hockey Russia stated that “whatever decision would be made now, IIHF will in any case have to allow the team, since without Russia the level of the world championships is much lower.”
“We will challenge this decision in court and in any case we will reach our own. The decision to participate in the national team of Russia at the 2026 Olympics in Milan will make the International Olympic Committee,” the Federation added.
IIHF decisions are planned to be challenged after completing the World Hockey Championship of 2025, which will be held from May 9 to May 25 in Sweden and Denmark.
In February 2022, IIHF first removed the teams of Russia and Belarus. Then the IIHF Council decided to remove all Russian and Belarusian national teams and clubs from participation in all age categories and in all IIHF competitions or events.
In April 2022, the IIHF Council deprived Russia of the rights to hold the World Hockey Championship in 2023. The tournament was to take place in St. Petersburg from May 5 to May 21, 2023.
Recall
The Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matthew Poor and President of the All -Ukrainian Federation Hockey Sergey Mazur signed an official letter to the President of the International Federation of Hockey (IIHF) Lucien Tardifa. Ukraine has called on IIHF to maintain and strengthen sanctions against Russia and Belarus.