The IIHF “reversed its decision” to ban Russian national and club teams from 2026-27 competitions and will “now review the country’s eligibility on an event-by-event basis.” The move comes a day after the IIHF “reinstated Belarus” into three 2026-27 tournaments (REUTERS, 5/29). While the move does not automatically grant Russian teams status into the IIHF’s tournament schedule, it “does significantly open the door unless the Council can provide evidence to the contrary” (THE ATHLETIC, 5/29).
IIHF to decide Russian participation on event-by-event basis
