The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced Monday that Russia will not be included in the groups for the 2027 men's world championship in Germany, scheduled for May 14-30. This decision comes despite the IIHF lifting its previous ban on Russia last month.
Russia has been barred from IIHF competitions since 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. In January, the IIHF council reviewed Russia's potential reintegration but upheld the ban citing safety and security concerns. Russia's ice hockey federation appealed to the IIHF disciplinary board, which overturned the council's decision. The IIHF subsequently stated that Russia would not be automatically reinstated, and eligibility would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Ukraine has been placed in Group A, marking their first appearance at the tournament since 2007. Russia remains a historically dominant team with 27 titles, the last in 2014.