Russia and Belarus have suffered a severe setback in international ice hockey as the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has imposed a ban on both nations from participating in IIHF competitions until 2025. The decision was made after an investigation into allegations of political interference in the sport's governance in the two countries.
The ban will prevent Russia and Belarus from competing in any IIHF tournaments, including the upcoming World Championships in Latvia in May. The IIHF will re-evaluate the situation in the future to determine whether the ban will be lifted or extended.
The news has disappointed hockey fans and officials in both countries. Nonetheless, the IIHF has emphasized that it will not tolerate any form of political interference in the governance of ice hockey and that the ban is essential to safeguard the independence and integrity of the sport internationally.