Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the IIHF suspended Russia and Belarus from all international hockey tournaments for the rest of the year.
In 2023, in March, the organizing committee of the International Ice Hockey Federation voted to ban the two countries from the 2023-2024 international season… Which was no great surprise.
At the time, we were wondering when Russia and Belarus would be readmitted to the IIHF, and there’s news on that front.
It’s simple, really: the IIHF announced today that the international bans against Russia and Belarus will continue for the next season (2024-2025), again due to the ongoing war with Ukraine.
Based on an in-depth analysis, the IIHF Council has concluded that it is not yet safe to reinstate the Russian and Belarusian teams in IIHF competitions. – International Ice Hockey Federation
Russia and Belarus will not participate in the 2024/2025 IIHF championship season.
More at https://t.co/ldDBa42X8ahttps://t.co/vsaodHXpNV pic.twitter.com/pzXBsK9cEs
– IIHF (@IIHFHockey) February 12, 2024
It’s worth noting, however, that IIHF executives will be meeting in May 2025 to draw up a plan for the future.
Basically, that’s when we should know whether Russia and Belarus will be able to return in time for the Olympic Games, which will be held in Milan, Italy, in 2026.
All of which will be interesting to watch, as Russia is one of the world’s hockey powers.
In gusto
– Nice initiative.
The Grey Cup at Académie Saint-Louis for the enjoyment of youngsters https://t.co/jXAGIfml2p
– Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) February 12, 2024
– Really?
NHL: less movement than expected from the Senators?https://t.co/2EMU6mZeRO
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 12, 2024
– The images are crazy.
The most beautiful 2:20 of hockey you will ever see. 1967. credit: NFB
pic.twitter.com/XGFvKnmVaE– Morgan Cameron Ross (@Morgan_C_Ross) February 11, 2024
– Voilà!
Rielly should have just skated over and delivered an over-his-head-slash down across Greig’s arm. Would have only cost him one game, maybe less.
That was more dangerous than Rielly’s crosscheck yet Pietrangelo got one playoff game and Reilly will get much more. Crazy.
– Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) February 12, 2024
– Courage!
Ski: Valérie Grenier operated on a second time in a few dayshttps://t.co/GvNIILu0Hw
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 12, 2024
– Big episode this week. Check it out!
THE TRIPLE THREAT – FEBRUARY 12
Super Bowl: the #Chiefs, a dynasty
Pedro Martinez wanted to be a Yankee
The emergence of Juraj Slafkovsky
The Raptors’ strange deadline
We also answer your questions… and have a special guest on the show!https://t.co/yJEwxViL0i
– Félix Forget (@FForget_LTM) February 12, 2024