The International Ice Hockey Federation has reversed its decision to ban Russian national and club teams from its 2026-27 competitions and will now review the country’s eligibility on an event-by-event basis, the governing body announced on Friday.
Russia has been banned from IIHF competitions, including the world championships, since 2022 following the nation’s invasion of Ukraine.
The IIHF council re-analyzed Russia’s reintegration in January but maintained the ban based on safety and security concerns. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation appealed the council’s decision to the IIHF disciplinary board, which annulled the council’s decision this week.
Russia will not automatically be reintegrated and the country’s eligibility in future competitions will be reviewed on an event-by-event basis.
