Belarus barred from 2027 Ice Hockey World Championships despite appeal
Belarus barred from the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championships (photo: hockey.by)
Belarusian men's national teams will not participate in the junior and senior Ice Hockey World Championships in 2027. The IIHF Council decided to partially uphold an appeal by the Belarusian Ice Hockey Association, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) reports.
The IIHF Disciplinary Board partially upheld the Belarusian Ice Hockey Association's appeal against the Council's previous decision of July 27, 2026.
At the same time, the body confirmed that there were no legal grounds for the immediate reinstatement of the teams.
In making its decision, the IIHF Council took into account existing sporting and organizational arrangements, competition structures, schedules, ticket sales, and operational planning for the 2027 season.
The federation also separately commented on the situation surrounding Russia's participation.
Despite disagreeing with the ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the IIHF is taking the necessary steps to comply with the decision.
The organization is reviewing the conditions needed to protect the championships, financial stability, and the long-term future of international hockey.
The IIHF is currently exploring all possible options and initiating discussions with national associations, including the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, to find a constructive path forward for international hockey.
Ukraine continues to oppose Russia's return to the international sporting arena.
In particular, Ukrainian Minister of Youth and Sports Matvii Bidnyi previously stressed that the CAS ruling does not change the reality of the war, commenting on Ukraine's efforts to prevent Russia's return to the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championships.
According to the minister, Ukraine is using all available international mechanisms to protect its national team's place in the top division and prevent the legitimization of representatives of the aggressor country.
Meanwhile, the reaction from international partners and sponsors is intensifying.
In particular, longtime tournament sponsor Czech automaker Škoda Auto has given the IIHF an ultimatum over Russia's possible participation, saying it is prepared to boycott the competition if Russian national teams return.
