The IIHF introduced Tuesday that the Russian and Belarusian nationwide groups will stay barred from competitors for no less than one other yr. The Worldwide Olympic Committee nonetheless has to determine whether or not to incorporate the previous within the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Nevertheless, meaning the golf equipment received’t be capable of discipline squads for the 2026 World Championship or the 2026 World Juniors, amongst different competitions. This marks the fourth straight competitors season with out the 2 international locations.
“As the present safety situations don’t enable the mandatory necessities for the group of tournaments guaranteeing the security of all, the IIHF should keep the present establishment till additional discover,” the worldwide governing physique mentioned in a statement.
The IIHF initially suspended all Russian and Belarusian nationwide groups and golf equipment in February 2022 following the previous nation’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine with Belarusian assist. By Could 2026, they’ll decide whether or not it’s “protected to reincorporate” the 2 international locations into worldwide play for the 2026-27 season.
Belarus was already disqualified from subsequent yr’s Olympics as a result of it was barred from taking part within the required qualification match. Russia, whose world rating is excessive sufficient that it doesn’t want a qualification match to get in, might nonetheless discipline a crew for the match if the IOC permits it. No Russian or Belarusian groups have been allowed to take part in any sport on the 2024 Summer season Olympics in Paris. Nonetheless, some people from each international locations participated underneath an Particular person Impartial Athletes banner.
“One of many IIHF’s arguments for not allowing Russia to compete in its tournaments is the problem of security,” ex-NHLer and Russian Hockey Federation consultant Pavel Bure informed Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff. “In our opinion, this argument doesn’t maintain sufficient energy. Greater than 50 Russians play within the NHL. Russian swimmers, chess gamers and representatives of different sports activities are taking part in worldwide competitions with none incidents being recorded. Considered one of our strategies was to finance further safety for Russia, so as to enable followers throughout the planet to observe one of many world’s finest groups in motion once more.“
