Following the IIHF Disciplinary Board’s decision mandating the IIHF Council to reanalyze the safety and security risks associated with Belarus playing in the 2026/2027 Championship season, and based on detailed discussion and risks analyses with the respective Organizing Committees, the IIHF has determined that it is appropriate to move forward with the reintegration of Belarus into the 2026/2027 IIHF World Men’s U18 Championship, World Women’s Championship Division IV and World Women’s U18 Championship Division IIIB.
This decision was not taken lightly. The safety and well-being of players, officials, fans, volunteers, and all participants remains our highest priority. Based on the assessments conducted and ongoing consultations with relevant stakeholders, we believe this can be done in a safe, responsible, and controlled manner.
The IIHF has always believed in the importance of the international hockey family staying connected through sport. Bringing the family back together is an important step forward for our federation and for the global game.
We will continue working closely with our Member National Associations, event organizers, security experts, and partners across the sport to ensure the process is handled in the right way and with the appropriate safeguards in place.
This is a gradual and carefully managed process, and additional operational details will be communicated in due course.
For now, our focus remains on ensuring that international ice hockey continues to provide a safe, respectful, and united environment for everyone involved.
This decision was not taken lightly. The safety and well-being of players, officials, fans, volunteers, and all participants remains our highest priority. Based on the assessments conducted and ongoing consultations with relevant stakeholders, we believe this can be done in a safe, responsible, and controlled manner.
The IIHF has always believed in the importance of the international hockey family staying connected through sport. Bringing the family back together is an important step forward for our federation and for the global game.
We will continue working closely with our Member National Associations, event organizers, security experts, and partners across the sport to ensure the process is handled in the right way and with the appropriate safeguards in place.
This is a gradual and carefully managed process, and additional operational details will be communicated in due course.
For now, our focus remains on ensuring that international ice hockey continues to provide a safe, respectful, and united environment for everyone involved.