Belarus not allowed to participate in the Ice Hockey World Championship — the IIHF left the national teams out of the 2027 World Championship despite an appeal

Now the Belarusian side is considering the possibility of a new appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Particular attention is drawn to the situation with Russia: the IIHF simultaneously stated that it is exploring options for returning Russian teams to international competitions.

The decision of the international federation has become another turn in the history of the suspension of Belarusian hockey from major international tournaments. For the national team, this means missing yet another World Championship, and for young players, the loss of the opportunity to compete at the planet's main youth tournament.

Why Belarus was not admitted to the 2027 World Championship

On November 7, 2026, the IIHF Council published an official statement confirming the non-admission of two Belarusian national teams:

• The men's national team — to the 2027 World Championship.
• The U20 youth national team — to the 2027 World Youth Championship.

The federation explained that the decision was made taking into account the principles approved at the organization's congress in 2022.

However, the main argument for the new decision was not only security issues, but also the organizational circumstances of holding the competitions.

The IIHF pointed to the already formed tournament structures, match schedules, ticket sales, and operational preparations.

According to the federation's Council, changing the lineup of participants at this stage creates additional organizational difficulties.

Belarus's appeal did not help

A particularly important detail is that the Belarusian Hockey Federation had already attempted to challenge the previous decision.

The IIHF Disciplinary Committee partially granted the Belarusian side's appeal against the Council's ruling of July 27, 2026.

However, this did not mean the automatic return of the national teams.

The disciplinary body confirmed that it lacks legal grounds to demand the immediate reinstatement of the Belarusian national teams in international competitions.

As a result, the IIHF Council adopted a new decision, which again left the men's and youth teams outside the 2027 World Championships.

Belarus may appeal to CAS

The Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation disagreed with the decision of the international organization.

Federation President Alexander Bogdanovich announced his intention to defend the interests of Belarusian hockey.

The possibility of appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which handles international sports disputes, is being considered.

The Belarusian side points out that there is enough time before the start of the adult World Championship in May 2027 to resolve organizational issues.

Thus, the legal confrontation over the participation of Belarusian hockey players may continue.

Why the situation with Russia raises additional questions

Of particular interest is the IIHF's position regarding the Russian national teams.

On October 30, 2026, the Court of Arbitration for Sport issued a ruling concerning the participation of Russian teams in international competitions.

After that, the IIHF stated that, despite disagreeing with the CAS decision, it would take the necessary actions to implement it.

The organization announced its intention to hold negotiations with interested national federations, including the Russian Hockey Federation.

At the same time, the issue of returning Russian teams will be considered taking into account the conditions for holding specific competitions.

It turns out that with regard to Russia, the IIHF is exploring options for a return, whereas the Belarusian national teams have already been denied participation in the 2027 World Championships.

Which tournaments Belarus will miss

The IIHF decision concerns two major international competitions.

Important: the decision does not mean the automatic suspension of absolutely all Belarusian hockey teams from all IIHF competitions. In particular, the issue of participation of other age-group and women's national teams is being considered separately.

What this means for Belarusian hockey

The absence of the national team at the World Championship is a serious sporting blow.

The consequences may affect several areas at once:

Loss of international practice. Players are deprived of the opportunity to regularly compete against the world's strongest national teams.

Difficulties for young hockey players. Missing the youth World Championship limits the opportunities for U20 players to showcase themselves on the international stage.

Reduced international representation. The absence of national teams at major tournaments limits the sporting and commercial opportunities of Belarusian hockey.

Continuation of the legal dispute. A possible appeal to CAS could lead to further proceedings with the international federation.

What happens next?

The immediate development of the situation depends on the actions of the Belarusian Hockey Federation and the IIHF's position.

If the Belarusian side appeals to CAS, the dispute may receive a new legal continuation.

At the same time, the international federation will also have to resolve another complex issue — organizing the return of Russian teams in light of the sports arbitration ruling.

So far, there is no final decision on the full return of Russian national teams to the 2027 World Championship.

Outcome: Belarusian hockey again remains outside the world championship

The IIHF decision of November 7, 2026 means that the men's and youth national teams of Belarus will miss next year's World Championships.

Despite the partial granting of the appeal, it was not possible to achieve an immediate return to the international arena.

Now the Belarusian federation is considering further legal steps.

The issue of the IIHF's different approaches to the situation with Russia and Belarus remains particularly resonant. 

Will the Belarusian side be able to achieve a review of the decision before the start of the 2027 World Championship? This will become one of the main intrigues of the international hockey season.