On January 21, 2026, the IIHF Council re-analyzed the situation to reintegrate the Russian National and Club Teams to its championships for the 2026-2027 season. It was determined that Russia would not be reintegrated into IIHF competition for the 2026–2027 season based on safety and security concerns.
That decision was subsequently appealed by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation to the IIHF Disciplinary Board.
On May 25, 2026, the IIHF Disciplinary Board issued its decision and annulled the Council’s previous decision from January 2026. However, the Disciplinary Board explicitly confirmed that this does not mean that Russia has automatically been reintegrated.
The Disciplinary Board determined that the previous decision could not be maintained in its current form, and as such has sent the matter back to the IIHF Council to re-analyze based on safety, security, operational, and sporting plans.
At this time the Council will gather all relevant information and then make a decision on Russia’s eligibility in future IIHF competitions on an event-by-event basis.
That decision was subsequently appealed by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation to the IIHF Disciplinary Board.
On May 25, 2026, the IIHF Disciplinary Board issued its decision and annulled the Council’s previous decision from January 2026. However, the Disciplinary Board explicitly confirmed that this does not mean that Russia has automatically been reintegrated.
The Disciplinary Board determined that the previous decision could not be maintained in its current form, and as such has sent the matter back to the IIHF Council to re-analyze based on safety, security, operational, and sporting plans.
At this time the Council will gather all relevant information and then make a decision on Russia’s eligibility in future IIHF competitions on an event-by-event basis.