Belarus’ under-20 and senior men’s hockey teams will remain barred from the upcoming world junior championship and the 2027 men’s world championship, Global News reported Saturday.

The International Ice Hockey Federation said its disciplinary board had confirmed there was no legal basis to order Belarus’ reintegration at this time. The decision follows a partial upholding of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Association’s appeal against the federation’s July 27 decisions.

The Belarus announcement comes as the IIHF considers its response to a separate Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling requiring Russia’s return to international competition, potentially as early as December’s world junior championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.

According to Global News, several countries have opposed that ruling, while Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada will not allow Russia to compete at the tournament.

In its Saturday statement, the IIHF said it continued to disagree with the Russia ruling but was taking the required steps and reviewing conditions needed to safeguard its championships, financial stability and the future of international hockey.

The federation also said it was exploring available options, including discussions with affected national associations and the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. The statement did not establish how Russia’s participation would be resolved.

Sources