Press releases

IIHF lifts restrictions on Belarus women’s, U18 men’s teams

An archive photo

MINSK, 28 May (BelTA) – The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has decided to clear Belarusian national teams for participation in the World Championships during the 2026/27 season, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation.

Following the IIHF decision, the Belarus men’s national U18 team will participate in the World Championship as early as the 2026/27 season: the tournament will take place in the USA from 22 April to 2 May 2027. Furthermore, the Belarusian women’s U18 and senior national teams have been included in the World Championship program.

The Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation will continue its active work toward the earliest possible return of the men’s national and youth teams to IIHF competitions.

Belarus hockey chief: IIHF decision opens doors for Belarus hockey juniors

MINSK, 28 May (BelTA) - Chairman of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation Aleksandr Bogdanovich commented on the decision by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to allow Belarusian teams to return to tournaments held under the federation’s auspices, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation.

Following the IIHF decision, the Belarus men’s national U18 team will participate in international competition next season. Belarus’ U18 squad will compete at the world championship in the United States in April 2027. Belarus’ women’s U18 and senior national teams have been included in the international competition.

“We view this decision as an important and positive step for Belarusian hockey. Above all, it is recognition of the talent and hard work of our athletes, as well as acknowledgement of the tremendous efforts made by the federation and the National Olympic Committee to accelerate the reintegration of our teams into the global sports community. Juniors are the future of our hockey, and today doors are opening for them that should have always remained open,” Aleksandr Bogdanovich said.

The Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation will continue its active work toward the earliest possible return of the men’s national and youth teams to IIHF competitions.

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