The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has confirmed that Belarus is barred from participating in its 2027 world championship tournaments, while the status of Russian national teams remains under review following a complex legal ruling.
Belarus excluded from 2027 tournaments
The IIHF announced on Saturday that Belarusian national teams will not compete in the 2027 world junior championship or the senior men’s world championship. The council determined that the current tournament structure, ticketing plans, and scheduling logistics made their inclusion impossible for the upcoming season, according to a report from 1188.lv.
This decision follows a broader period of suspension for both Russian and Belarusian hockey programs, which were removed from IIHF competitions in February 2022 following the start of the invasion of Ukraine. Since that time, these teams have missed five world championships and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, as noted by Apollo.lv.
Legal uncertainty surrounding Russian eligibility
The status of Russian teams is complicated by a late October ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The court ordered the IIHF to immediately reinstate Russian national teams for international tournaments, including the 2027 senior men’s, U-20, and U-18 championships, as well as women’s world events, 1188.lv reported.
The IIHF stated it does not agree with the CAS decision and is currently evaluating how to proceed while protecting the financial stability and long-term future of international hockey.
“IIHF is acting in accordance with the current framework, while fulfilling its responsibility to maintain international competitions and protect the sport as a whole,” the federation said in a statement cited by 1188.lv and Apollo.lv. The organization is currently in discussions with national hockey federations, including the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, to find a constructive path forward.
Questions of independence in arbitration
Sportacentrs.com reported that two of the three judges on the panel that ruled in favor of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation had visited Moscow for conferences within the last 18 months. The panel chairman, Giulio Palermo, and fellow judge Ismaïl Selim both participated in events in Moscow, according to Sportacentrs.com.
In response to these revelations, a Swiss judge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport resigned, citing concerns over a potential conflict of interest and the independence of the panel, Sportacentrs.com reported.
Nations and governments refuse to play Russian teams
Several nations have publicly declared their refusal to play against Russian teams, including Latvia, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, according to reports from TVNET Sports and Apollo.lv. In Canada, the government has said that Russian and Belarusian teams will not be permitted to participate in the upcoming world junior championship, which is scheduled to run from December 26 to January 5.
The 2027 men’s world championship is slated to take place in the German cities of Düsseldorf and Mannheim from May 14 to May 30. However, TVNET Sports reported that German officials have indicated they might withdraw from hosting if Russian participation is mandated. Several major sponsors, including Nokian Tyres, AJ Produkter, Tipsport, and Škoda Auto, have expressed opposition to the return of Russian teams, according to TVNET Sports.
Russian government response
The IIHF continues to review its available options to manage the conflicting pressures of the CAS ruling and the positions held by its member federations. No final determination on the specific conditions for the 2027 world championship has been released by the governing body.
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