The International Ice Hockey Federation has partially lifted sanctions against Belarus

This was announced on the organisation’s official website.

The IIHF has allowed Belarusian teams to return to competing in three international team tournaments: the U18 Men’s and Women’s World Championships, as well as the Women’s World Championship.

However, the Men’s World Championship and other top-tier tournaments are not mentioned in the statement. Consequently, sanctions against the Belarusian men’s national team remain in place for the time being.

The organisation emphasised that the decision was taken following a re-evaluation of security risks and consultations with tournament organisers. Since the start of the year, the IIHF has stated that it does not plan to lift sanctions against russia and Belarus for the coming season.

“This was not an easy decision. The safety and well-being of players, officials, fans, volunteers and all participants remain our highest priority. Based on the assessments carried out and ongoing consultations with stakeholders, we believe this can be done safely, responsibly and in a controlled manner,” the IIHF statement reads.

The partial easing of sanctions followed recommendations from the International Olympic Committee regarding the full reinstatement of Belarusian athletes and teams. In ice hockey, russia and Belarus had remained suspended since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and were barred from competitions at all age levels, including under a ‘neutral’ flag.

The Ukrainian Ice Hockey Federation issued a statement from the organisation’s president, Serhiy Mazur, who criticised the easing of sanctions and announced his intention to appeal the decision.

“The UHHF strongly condemns this decision by the IIHF. Belarus continues to be an ally of russia in the war against Ukraine and allows its territory to be used to terrorise the civilian population of our country.”

‘For us, this stance by the international federation is unacceptable. We are preparing an appeal and will continue to stand up for fair decisions. Aggressor nations have no place in international sport at any level: from youth to senior.’

Source: Suspilne Sport