Russia’s return to international ice hockey rinks will not be seen in the upcoming season either. The International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF confirmed on Thursday that Russia will remain excluded from all men’s championship tournaments next season as well.

The decision affects not only the men’s World Championships but also the under-20 and under-18 World Championships. The resolution was made at the IIHF board meeting.

– The basis for the decision remains concerns related to safety, organization, and the sporting integrity of the competitions, the IIHF explains in its statement.

Russia was excluded from international ice hockey in 2022 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

In contrast to Russia, the situation of Belarus, which was also excluded from the international ice hockey family at that time, has partially changed. The IIHF announced that the country can participate in the upcoming season’s women’s and under-20 World Championships.

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