US EditionIIHF Not Allowing Youth Teams From Russia and Belarus Back for the 2026-27 Season
The ban on Russia and Belarus youth teams continues for the 2026-27 season due to safety concerns, with possible under-18 reintegration in 2027-28 pending risk assessments, IIHF said.
- Thursday's IIHF statement declared the organization will not allow Russia and Belarus youth teams to compete during the upcoming 2025–26 season after a Wednesday council meeting.
- Citing safety concerns, the IIHF said current security conditions do not allow tournaments guaranteeing safety and reintegration depends on assessments over the coming months.
- Banned since February 2022, Russia and Belarus remain excluded from IIHF events, while the International Olympic Committee last month recommended allowing their youth teams to compete with full national identity.
- Sources said there was no change to sanctions after the IIHF Council meeting, leaving restrictions in place and the nations ineligible for international hockey competitions due to safety concerns.
- If risks fall in the coming months, the IIHF will work with relevant national associations to support reintegration at the under-18 level beginning in 2027-28, the federation said.
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19 Articles
Associated Press News
IIHF not allowing youth teams from Russia and Belarus back for the 2026-27 season
The International Ice Hockey Federation will not allow youth teams from Russia and Belarus to compete during this upcoming season but will consider reintegrating them at the under-18 level beginning in 2027-28.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is extending the suspension of Russia and Belarus from all international play through the next season, 2026-27.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has upheld sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian national junior teams, despite recommendations from the International Olympic Committee. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the organization's official website. Safety is a key consideration During the IIHF Council meeting on January 22, the status of Russian and Belarusian teams in all age categories regarding their participation in futu…
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