Russia excluded from Olympic Hockey: France gets the green light

The Russian national hockey team will not participate in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, which will be hosted by Italy. This was officially announced by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

According to the organization, the men's and women's teams for the tournament were formed in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made in March 2023.

Previously, it had been stated that the final decision on Russia’s participation in the 2026 Olympics would depend on the latest IOC recommendations. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation indicated that the decision was expected to be made in the fall of 2024.

Although the IIHF and IOC have not yet made an official statement on the matter, the absence of Russia in the published group listings suggests its official exclusion from the competition.

Reportedly, France will take Russia’s place in the Olympic tournament. This is seen as another serious blow to Russian athletes amid the ongoing political sanctions against sports in recent years.

It is worth noting that the Russian national team has consistently ranked among the top contenders in international hockey tournaments, and its Olympic presence has always drawn significant attention.