MOSCOW, 28 Feb. The Council of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) suspended the national teams of Russia and Belarus from international competitions for an indefinite period, according to the organization's website. The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the council. The national teams of both countries will not perform at the World Championships in Finland, the junior and youth world championships, as well as the women's world championship. The IIHF stressed that they do not exclude the possibility of further actions that affect future competitions or other activities of the organization, but first of all they hope for prompt and peaceful resolution of the conflict.» The IIHF is not a political organization and cannot influence decisions taken in connection with actions in Ukraine. Nevertheless, we must take care of all our members and participants. And therefore we must do our best to ensure of our events in a safe environment for all teams participating in the Ice Hockey World Championship,” said the head of the Ice Hockey Federation, Luc Tardiff. announced the start of a special military operation to demilitarize Ukraine.
