Russia has been barred from international ice hockey competitions since 2022. Daniela Porcelli / Getty Images
Russia’s widespread return to international ice hockey competition will not take place in 2026-27.
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation, which has been banned since 2022, will not be permitted to field teams at the 2027 men’s world championship, the world junior championship, the U18 men’s world championship or the U18 women’s world championship, the International Ice Hockey Federation disciplinary board announced on Thursday.
Russia’s eligibility for a fifth tournament, the women’s world championship, “will be reviewed separately by the IIHF Council in November 2026, taking into account the circumstances and risk assessment applicable at that time,” according to an IIHF statement.
In January, the IIHF determined that Russia would not be reintegrated into its 2026-27 tournament schedule based on safety and security concerns.
The IIHF Disciplinary Board had annulled the larger governing body’s January decision in May after determining that the IIHF Council did not provide sufficient evidence in its determination.
Belarus, which was suspended by the IIHF at the same time as Russia after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, was granted partial reinstatement for three competitions for 2026-27.
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