IIHF to discuss Russia's participation in international events next week

February 02, 2024 - 2:03pm

IIHF President Luc Tardif was asked about a potential return of Russia and Belarus to international competition after the countries were banned from IIHF tournaments and said that conversations are ongoing.

IIHF president Luc Tardif said the organization's council will meet next week to discuss the status of Russia in international hockey events.

Tardif made the comments Friday at a news conference in Toronto announcing NHL players will return to the Olympics in 2026 and 2030.

Tardif said the council must first decide if Russia can compete in the 2025 world men's championship in Sweden and Denmark.

Also, the IIHF has to determine the status of Belarus ahead of qualifying for the 2026 Olympics.

Russia and Belarus have been out of international hockey since 2022 in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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