IIHF Make Statement Regarding Russian, Belarusian Participation In Upcoming International Tournaments

The International Ice Hockey Federation released an official statement addressing the participation of Russia and Belarus in upcoming international tournaments following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling. The IIHF Council decided that Belarusian U20 and senior men's national teams will not participate in the 2027 World Junior Championship and 2027 World Championship. Meanwhile, despite disagreeing with CAS's decision to reinstate Russia, the federation is reviewing necessary steps and conditions to safeguard future tournaments.

Several nations have threatened boycotts following the CAS reinstatement ruling, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated he would block Russia's U-20 team from competing in Alberta this winter. Both Russian and Belarusian hockey programs have been banned from IIHF competitions since February 28, 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, and were previously excluded from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.