The IIHF Council has decided to not let Russia and Belarus join the 2023-24 Ice Hockey Championship. This is because of the conflict that happened between Russia and Ukraine. The IIHF checked to see if they were okay to join but it was too risky, so they can’t participate.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has decided that the Russian and Belarusian teams cannot participate in the 2023/2024 IIHF Championship season because of a risk assessment by a company, which knows about different risks around the world. This means that these two teams will not be part of the championship.
Russia and Belarus have been banned from participating in the upcoming 2023 men’s ice hockey championship which will take place in Finland and Latvia and the 2024 women’s ice hockey championship which will be hosted by the United States. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Council is planning to review their status next year, with the goal of allowing both countries to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
We’ve asked a committee to work together over the year and figure out how it could be possible for both Belarusian and Russian teams to join our competition. We also want them to explore how, if all conditions are okay, these teams can participate in the 2026 Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee wants Russian and Belarusian athletes to be able to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
