IIHF extends suspension of Russian and Belarusian hockey teams

One of the key questions in the hockey world remains when Russia and Belarus will be allowed to return to international competitions. It is now confirmed that this will not happen in the coming year.

Details: The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has announced that the 2025/26 hockey season will proceed without these two national teams.

Statement: "As the current security conditions do not allow for the necessary requirements to organize tournaments that ensure the safety of all, the IIHF must maintain the current status quo until further notice," the federation said in an official statement.

The IIHF added that they will continue to monitor the situation, with the next meeting regarding Russia and Belarus scheduled for May 2026. This means that the next two World Championships and the 2026 Olympic Games will take place without these teams.

Reminder: Very soon, in February 2025, the Four Nations Ice Hockey Tournament will take place. Four teams will take part in the competition: Canada, USA, Finland and Sweden. All teams have already announced their squads for the tournament.

The tournament will run from February 12 to 20, and seven matches will be played. It will follow a round-robin format.