The International Ice Hockey Federation Council (IIHF) has temporarily suspended Israeli teams from competitions under the auspices of the organization due to concerns about the safety of tournament participants. This was reported by the IIHF press service.
“The Council has decided to limit the Israeli national team’s participation in IIHF tournaments until the safety and well-being of all participants (including Israeli players) are guaranteed,” the statement said.
The Israeli national team was planned to participate in the World Championship in Group A, Division II, to be held in Belgrade in April. Two tournaments are planned in March with the participation of Israeli teams: the Women’s World Championship in Group B of Division III, the World Championship for players under 18 in Group B of Division II.
In the spring of 2022, the International Hockey Federation decided to ban Russian players from participating in international tournaments, even with neutral status, and the organization also stripped Russia of the right to host the youth world championship at home in 2023.
In March 2023, the IIHF extended the suspension for the 2023/24 season. At the same time, the president of the organization, Luc Tardif, announced that the IIHF council will return to the issue of accepting the national teams of Russia and Belarus in March 2024.
Earlier than two Russians reputed The best hockey players of the NHL game.