The International Ice Hockey Federation has extended the exclusion of Russia and Belarus from most major men's international tournaments for the next season. That means both countries will remain barred from the men's World Championship as the governing body continues its current policy.
The IIHF said the decision was based on ongoing concerns around safety, security and the integrity of competition. In practical terms, the ruling keeps Russia and Belarus outside the top men's events organized under the federation's umbrella for another year.
The latest move continues a ban that has already kept the two nations out of key international ice hockey competitions. By renewing the restrictions, the IIHF signaled that it does not believe conditions have changed enough to allow a return without risking tournament operations or sporting fairness.
For the men's World Championship and other leading events, the decision preserves the current competitive structure while leaving Russia and Belarus on the outside. The federation's stance shows that off-ice concerns are still shaping the international hockey calendar heading into next season.
