IIHF Bars Belarusian National Teams from 2027 World Championships

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) officially announced on 7 November that the Belarusian men's and youth (U20) national teams will not take part in the 2027 World Championships.

In the 2026/27 season, Belarusian teams will be able to compete at three World Championships, while the senior men's team and the U20 youth team will remain outside IIHF competitions.

The Council's decision was preceded by a ruling of the IIHF Disciplinary Board, which partially upheld the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation's appeal against the Council's decisions of 27 July 2026. The IIHF put it this way: "The Council's decision followed a ruling of the IIHF Disciplinary Board, which partially upheld the appeal of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Association against the Council's decisions of 27 July 2026" (translation).

The IIHF Council ultimately confirmed its ruling of 27 July, and according to the federation, it applies to both the men's and the junior national teams.

According to the IIHF, the decision was made in line with the principles approved at the organisation's semi-annual congress in 2022. It applies to the World Junior (U20) Championship and to the 2027 men's World Championship.

The Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation expressed disagreement with the IIHF's decision, its press service reported.

In July 2026, the IIHF had already barred the national teams of Russia and Belarus from the 2027 World Championship. Earlier, in February 2025, the federation refused to bring both teams back for the 2026 World Championship.