IIHF bars Belarus from 2027 world juniors and men's world championship

Belarusian under-20 and senior men's national teams will not play at the IIHF World Junior Championship 2027 or the IIHF World Championship 2027, the International Ice Hockey Federation said in a statement.¹

The federation's council acted under principles approved by the 2022 IIHF Semi-Annual Congress. The decision follows a ruling by the IIHF Disciplinary Board that partially upheld the Belarusian Ice Hockey Association's appeal against council decisions of 27 July 2026.¹

The disciplinary board confirmed in that ruling that it had no legal basis to order immediate reintegration, the federation said.¹

The council cited the existing sporting and organizational arrangements for both championships, including competition structures, schedules, ticketing and operational planning. On those circumstances, it determined that Belarusian national teams will not participate in the two championships in the 2027 season.¹

On Russia, the federation said it continues to disagree with the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport concerning Russian participation in IIHF Championships, but is taking the steps the ruling requires.¹

The IIHF must work within the applicable framework while upholding its responsibility to preserve international competition and protect the sport as a whole.¹International Ice Hockey Federation

The federation said it is reviewing what conditions would need to be met to safeguard its championships, protect the organization's financial stability and secure the long-term future of international ice hockey.¹

It said it is exploring all available avenues, including opening discussions with all affected member national associations, among them the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, to find a constructive way forward.¹