Ice hockey worlds 2027 in Germany without Russia and Belarus

Russia and Belarus will remain excluded from the next men's ice hockey world champions in 2027 in Germany, the ruling body IIHF has said.

In a statement late Thursday its council decided that Russia will not be allowed to take part in several of its events including the men's worlds "due to ongoing safety, security and sporting integrity concerns."

It said a decision on a potential participation of Russia at next year's women's worlds would be made at a later stage.

Belarus remains excluded from the men's worlds and junior worlds for "ongoing safety and security concerns" but can take part in other events.

Russia and Belarus have been excluded from IIHF events since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The 2027 worlds in Germany open in Gelsenkirchen's AufSchalke Arena on May 13 and are then played in the cities of Mannheim and Dusseldorf until May 30.