IIHF says Russia will remain barred from four world championship tournaments in 2027

ZURICH (AP) — The International Ice Hockey Federation said Thursday that Russia will not be allowed to participate in four tournaments next year after a review by the organization’s council.

The IIHF cited ongoing safety, security and sporting integrity concerns in its announcement. The sport’s governing body said in May it would determine Russia’s eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Russia will be barred from the 2027 world junior championships, world championships and the under-18 men’s and women’s tournaments, the IIHF said, adding that a decision on the women’s worlds would be made in November.

Teams from the country have been banned from competition since launching its war in Ukraine in February 2022.