Фото: pixabay.com
The Coordinating Committee of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will discuss in the coming days the issue of admitting Russian and Belarusian national teams to international tournaments. This was stated by IIHF Council member and Director General of the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation Viesturs Koziols, Sport-Express reported.
According to him, the discussion will take place at a meeting of the IIHF Coordinating Committee for Competitions held during the World Junior Championship.
“I know that these days, during the World Junior Championship, a meeting of the IIHF Coordinating Committee for Competitions will be held. The issue of how and when to carry out the reintegration of the Russian and Belarusian national teams will also be considered there. In January, at the Council meeting, we will hear the committee’s report, as well as consider the legal, administrative, and sporting nuances,” he said.
As a reminder, in February 2022 the International Ice Hockey Federation suspended the national teams of Belarus and Russia from participation in international tournaments.
On December 11, 2025, the International Olympic Committee lifted restrictions on the participation of young athletes from Belarus and Russia in international competitions in Olympic sports, including team disciplines, allowing them to compete under national flags and anthems.