IIHF reverses decision on Russia ban for 2026-27, will make decisions on ’event-by-event basis’

The International Ice Hockey Federation has reversed its decision to ban Russia from all 2026-27 competitions and will instead now make a decision on eligibility on an “event-by-event basis.”

The decision could allow Russia take part in the world juniors this December, along with various other upcoming events. The team was barred from taking part in the Olympics and World Hockey Championship this year.

The update comes after the IIHF announced the reintegration of Belarus on Thursday into the 2026-2027 IIHF World Men’s U18 Championship, World Women’s Championship Division IV and World Women’s U18 Championship Division IIIB. 

“On January 21, 2026, the IIHF Council re-analyzed the situation to reintegrate the Russian National and Club Teams to its championships for the 2026-2027 season,” the IIHF said in a statement Friday.

“It was determined that Russia would not be reintegrated into IIHF competition for the 2026–2027 season based on safety and security concerns. That decision was subsequently appealed by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation to the IIHF Disciplinary Board. 

“On May 25, 2026, the IIHF Disciplinary Board issued its decision and annulled the Council’s previous decision from January 2026. However, the Disciplinary Board explicitly confirmed that this does not mean that Russia has automatically been reintegrated.

“The Disciplinary Board determined that the previous decision could not be maintained in its current form, and as such has sent the matter back to the IIHF Council to re-analyze based on safety, security, operational, and sporting plans. 

“At this time the Council will gather all relevant information and then make a decision on Russia’s eligibility in future IIHF competitions on an event-by-event basis.”

Both Russia and Belarus have been banned from IIHF competition since February 2022 due Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

More details to follow.