IIHF maintains disqualification based on safety risks
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has decided to extend the disqualification of Russian and Belarusian teams from participating in the IIHF championships until 2026/2027. for the season of the year. The Federation cites security risks as the main argument for maintaining the disqualification, rather than Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. This decision is based on a detailed risk assessment, and the IIHF believes that the current security conditions do not yet provide the necessary guarantees for the safe conduct of the tournament for all participants.
The Federation Council has considered the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which provides for the possibility of considering the reintegration of young players (U-18) from the national and club teams of Russia and Belarus in the IIHF championships starting from 2027/2028. season of the year. However, such a decision will still depend on the constant evaluation of security and protection conditions. The IIHF emphasizes that if the aforementioned risks significantly decrease in the coming months, the federation will work with the relevant national associations to support a possible reintegration at the youth level.
History and reason for disqualification
Teams from Russia and Belarus were disqualified from IIHF-organized tournaments in February 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This disqualification was also extended to 2023/2024. season of the year. In its decisions, the IIHF Council continues to emphasize security aspects rather than the political or military situation as grounds for sanctions, even though these events are directly related. The federation states that it will continue to closely monitor the development of the situation and conduct constant analyzes of security risks.
Possible return of youth teams
The consideration of the return of youth teams (U-18) comes as part of a wider trend encouraged by the IOC’s recommendations. Several sources indicate that the IIHF has considered this possibility starting in 2027/2028. season of the year. However, this is strictly subordinated to the improvement of the security situation. The IIHF has previously rejected Russian youth teams from participating in tournaments such as the 2024 Youth Olympics, despite similar changes by other sports federations such as FIFA.
Latvia’s perspective and overall context
These IIHF decisions are important for Latvian hockey, taking into account the country’s active participation in international competitions and the desire to hold top-level tournaments. It has already been reported that the IIHF considers it a security risk to allow Russia and Belarus to join the championships in 2025-2026. 2026/2027 season, and the final decision for 2026/2027 season was expected in May. The Latvian Hockey Federation (LHF) together with Finnish partners has applied to host the 2030 World Championship, and security guarantees are also essential in organizing such events. The Latvian hockey team is actively preparing for important tournaments, such as the 2026 Olympic Games, in which Russia and Belarus will not participate.
