Russian Ice Hockey Federation plans to appeal IIHF's decision to disqualify teams from participating in international competitions during 2026-27 season

"Following its latest meeting and based on a detailed risk assessment, the IIHF Council believes it is not yet safe to reintegrate the Russian and Belarusian National and Club Teams to its championships for the 2026-2027 season as the current security conditions do not allow the necessary requirements for the organization of tournaments guaranteeing the safety of all."

"However, the IIHF Council has reviewed the IOC recommendations and will consider the reintegration of youth players (U18) from the Russian and Belarusian National and Club Teams to its championships for the 2027-2028 season. This consideration will remain contingent upon an ongoing assessment of safety and security conditions. If these risks sufficiently reduce over the coming months, the IIHF will work together with the relevant national associations to support a possible reintegration at the youth level."

"While there appears to be some momentum toward lifting the ban on the two nations at the youth level, the IIHF is not yet ready to take the full leap toward reintegration. The continued bans come as part of sanctions imposed following the nation's illegal military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response to the statement, the Russian Ice Hockey Federation issued its own statement, expressing disappointment at not being involved in the discussions and its plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Ar"

The IIHF completed a detailed risk assessment and determined current security conditions do not allow safe reintegration of Russian and Belarusian national and club teams for the 2026-2027 season. The IIHF reviewed IOC recommendations and will consider U18 player reintegration for the 2027-2028 season only if ongoing safety and security assessments show sufficient risk reduction. The federation says it will collaborate with relevant national associations if conditions improve. The bans stem from sanctions following the 2022 illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation expressed disappointment at exclusion and plans to appeal.

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