Russia and Belarus Remain Banned From International Hockey Tournaments Through 2025-26

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Council has voted to extend the ban on Russia and Belarus from the 2025-26 international hockey season, the IIHF wrote on their website on February 4.

As a result, neither country will be allowed to compete in IIHF-hosted tournaments, including the World Championship and World Juniors. The suspension, originally imposed following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, remains in effect.

“As the current security conditions do not allow the necessary requirements for the organization of tournaments guaranteeing the safety of all, the IIHF must maintain the current status quo until further notice,” IIHF wrote.

According to IIHF, the Council will continue to assess the situation, with the final decision on the possible reinstatement of Russia and Belarus for the 2026-27 Championship season set for May 2026 during the IIHF Council meeting ahead of the IIHF Annual Congress.

“We want them back as soon as possible,” IIHF president Luc Tardiff said at the world junior championship in January. “It will mean the war will be over.”

“(Russia) is missed for any competition. But let them come too early, that’s not going to be good.”

On December 13, 2024, Lithuanian athlete Kornelija Dūdaitė was barred from competing in the Functional Fitness World Championship in Budapest, Hungary, due to an anti-Russian slogan on her shirt, “make russia small again.”