
Russian national hockey team banned from 2026 World Championship
The International Ice Hockey Federation has upheld Russia’s suspension from the World Championships
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) reported the decision.
According to the federation, the ruling was made on February 4 during a meeting of the IIHF Executive Committee. The IIHF stated that the decision could be reviewed after the 2025 World Championship in May — if Russia’s war against Ukraine ends.
Meanwhile, IIHF special representative for international affairs Pavel Bure criticized the justification for the ban, calling the argument about player safety "not strong enough."
"More than 50 Russians play in the NHL. Russian swimmers, chess players, and other athletes compete internationally without issues," said Bure, a former NHL player himself.
A separate decision on Russia’s participation in the 2026 Olympics will be made by the International Olympic Committee.
Russia and Belarus have been under sanctions since 2022 due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The 2026 World Ice Hockey Championships will take place from May 15 to 31 in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.
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