Just a few days after the end of the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022 (before the Paralympics), Russian president Vladimir Putin invaded the Ukraine – a war the still continues.
In the wake of that invasion, Russian and Belarus (who supports Russia) were sanctioned with numerous bans especially in sporting events. Teams and athletes have been banned from competition.
On February 4, the International Ice Hockey Federations extended the ban for Russia and Belarus hockey players until at last May 2026. While the International Olympic Committee has the final say, the ban currently includes any world competitions and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
According to the IHF, “it is not yet safe to reintegrate the Russian and Belarusian national and club teams. The current security conditions do not allow the necessary requirements for the organization of tournaments guaranteeing the safety of all.”
The Committee will meet to deliberate the issue in May of 2026.
Russia (the former Soviet Union and as the United Team) is a nine time gold medal winner in hockey. In the Olympics in 2022, the team took home the silver medal.
Not surprisingly, the Russian Hockey Federation was no pleased noting, “whatever decision has been taken now, the IIHF will have to allow our team back in any case, because without Russia the level of world championships is much lower.”
Offering to provide their own security, the Russian Federation said, “in our opinion, this argument is not strong enough. There are more than 50 Russians in the NHL. Russian swimmers, chess players and representatives of other sports are taking part in international competitions and there are no incidents happening.”
The IOC ruled in 2023 that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete under a neutral flag individuall, but team events were still not allowed.