The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has upheld the suspension of the Russian and Belarusian national teams from participating in international competitions. This was reported by The Athletic journalist Chris Johnston,
according to
“Belarusian Hockey”.

Павялічыць

Photo: FHB

On January 21, the IIHF Council meeting took place, as a result of which the organization’s position remained unchanged. Russian and Belarusian teams are still not allowed to participate in international ice hockey tournaments “for security reasons”.

“According to sources, following today’s IIHF Council meeting, there are no changes to the sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

They are still not allowed to participate in international ice hockey competitions due to security concerns,” Johnston wrote on the social network X.

The national teams of Belarus and Russia have been suspended from international competitions under the auspices of the IIHF since February 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Belarusian national team, for example, missed four World Championships in the elite division, will miss the next championship, which will be held in May this year, as well as the qualification tournaments for the 2026 Olympics. Belarus last played at the Winter Olympics in 2010.