IIHF bars Belarus from WJC, men’s worlds; exploring ways to meet CAS ruling on Russia

Ukrainian Youth and Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi maintains that Ukraine's national ice hockey team should participate in the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship, despite the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) ruling allowing Russian teams to return to international competitions, reports Champion. Bidnyi stated that Ukrainian players will not play against Russian representatives, while urging other nations and host countries to use visa and security measures to prevent Russian participation.

Nonetheless, Ukraine plans to remain committed to the tournament. The minister affirmed that the national team earned its place in the top division and should enjoy that right. Ukraine's athletes have consistently trained and should not be barred from representing Ukraine internationally. The 2027 World Championship, set to occur in Germany from May 14 to 30, will feature Ukraine competing against top teams in Group A, which includes Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Latvia, Austria, and Slovenia.

Bidnyi also outlined Ukraine's legal and diplomatic responses to the IIHF's decision, including collaborations with partner governments and the Council of Europe. Furthermore, the Ukrainian Ice Hockey Federation submitted a memorandum to the IIHF detailing evidence of Ukrainian athletes, clubs, and infrastructure being involved in Russian competitions due to the conflict.

The IIHF ordered Russian national teams to participate in several international events, including the 2026-2027 World Championship, in October. In response, several countries, including Austria, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Latvia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, have boycotted matches against Russia.