IIHF bans Russia, Belarus from events in 2025-26
The International Ice Hockey Federation announced Tuesday that it's extending its ban on Russia and Belarus through the 2025-26 season, asserting that "it is not yet safe to reintegrate" the two national teams.
"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," the organization wrote in a statement.
Russia and Belarus have been held out of IIHF competition since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. The IIHF will re-evaluate the two countries' eligibility for the 2026-27 season in May 2026.
The International Olympic Committee will determine if Russia is allowed to compete at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.
The NHL also omitted Russia from the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.