Russia, Belarus banned from Ice Hockey WC, Int´l matches

The international Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has decided to ban Russia and Belarus from all upcoming Ice Hockey championships including the 2022 World Championship scheduled to be held in Finland in May.

The Council of the IIHF took the decision in an extra-ordinary meeting on Monday following the Russia´s attack on Ukraine, said the IIHF in a press release.

The IIHF strongly condemns the use of military force and urges the use of diplomatic means to solve conflict.

The decisions included suspension of all Russian and Belarusian National Teams and Clubs from participation in every age category and in all IIHF competitions or events until further notice and withdrawal of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship hosting rights from Russia,

These two actions have been initiated by the Council in order to enable the IIHF to ensure the safety of IIHF Championships and all participating players, officials, and fans.

The federation also banned Belarus club team HK Gomel from Continental Cup scheduled for 4-6 March, Russia and Belarus from 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship scheduled for 21 April-01 May, Russia IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women’s World Championship, 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship and 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship scheduled for 26 August-4 September 2022.

The IIHF Council has not left out the possibility of further actions impacting future events or other IIHF activities but hopes above all for a swift and peaceful resolution to the war.

“The IIHF is not a political entity and cannot influence the decisions being taken over the war in Ukraine,” said IIHF President Luc Tardif.

“We nevertheless have a duty of care to all of our members and participants and must therefore do all we can to ensure that we are able to operate our events in a safe environment for all teams taking part in the IIHF World Championship program,” Tardif said

“We were incredibly shocked to see the images that have come out of Ukraine,” added Tardif. “I have been in close contact with members of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine and we hope for all Ukrainians that this conflict can be resolved in a peaceful way and without the need for further violence,” the IIHF President added.

Earlier, the Finnish Ice Hockey Association (Suomen Jääkiekkoliitto) on Monday demanded exclusion of Russia and Belarus from the upcoming Ice Hockey World Championship scheduled to be held in Finland in May.