The issue of participation of Russian hockey players in the Olympic Games to be held in Italy in 2026 will be discussed at the beginning of 2025. This was announced by Luc Tardif, President of the International Hockey Federation (IIHF).
“As always, we make the decision every year. The Russian team is not as dependent on ratings as the Belarusian team. “The issue of the Russian team’s participation in the Olympic Games will be decided in February-March 2025.” TASS.
The national teams of Russia and Belarus missed the 2022 and 2023 world championships by the decision of the IIHF, and in 2024 the world championship will take place without them. This decision was taken based on the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to international federations not to allow Russian athletes to compete.
Russian hockey players lost the opportunity to compete in international tournaments even in a neutral situation. In addition, Russia was deprived of the right to host the 2023 Junior World Championship. The IIHF Council met on February 12-13, 2024 and it was decided to extend the suspensions of Russia and Belarus for another season.
Former Olympic champion stated About double standards in the IIHF.