IIHF Re-Evaluates Russia’s Participation in International Tournaments

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has significantly shifted its stance on Russia’s status in international hockey. In a major development announced on Friday, the governing body confirmed it has annulled its previous decision to ban Russian national and club teams for the entire 2026-27 season. Instead, the IIHF will now evaluate Russia's eligibility for future competitions on an “event-by-event basis”.  

“The Disciplinary Board determined that the previous decision could not be maintained in its current form, and as such has sent the matter back to the IIHF Council to re-analyze based on safety, security, operational, and sporting plans,” the IIHF press release said.

The policy shift follows a successful appeal by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation to the IIHF Disciplinary Board. Back in January 2026, the IIHF Council ruled that Russia would not be reintegrated due to ongoing safety and security concerns. However, on May 25, the Disciplinary Board officially annulled that Council decision. 

Russia has been banned from participating in any IIHF-sanctioned events since the country's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The ongoing exclusion kept Russian stars out of recent high-profile tournaments, including the World Hockey Championship and the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

On Thursday, the IIHF announced that Belarus would be reinstated for three competitions during the 2026-27 season: the Under-18 men’s World Championship, the women’s Division 4, as well as the U-18 women’s Division 3B event.