Despite recent efforts by Russian sports authorities, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that the exclusion of Russia from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games remains in place. The decision directly affects the men’s ice hockey team, one of the strongest in the world, whose participation had been subject to speculation after meetings with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

The IOC clarified that the recommendation from March 2023, which bars teams with Russian passports from competing, remains valid and was confirmed by the IIHF. While a limited number of Russian athletes have been authorized to compete at Paris 2024 as neutrals, the possibility of Russia participating in team sports at the Winter Games has been practically ruled out.

Hockey without Russia: reshuffling and tensions in the Olympic schedule

Statements from IIHF president Luc Tardif confirmed that the IOC has requested an Olympic hockey schedule without Russia, even though no official statement has been issued yet. The Russian federation (RHF), meanwhile, claimed it has not received any notification of the exclusion, while tournament organizers push for a clear decision as the Olympic date draws near. If this absence is confirmed, Finland would replace Russia in the men’s bracket, and the women’s competition would also be adjusted accordingly.

Russia has not participated in IIHF-sanctioned tournaments since the Beijing 2022 Games, where it competed under the name “Russian Olympic Committee.” The suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee for incorporating occupied Ukrainian regions was key in escalating sanctions. While the IOC allows certain individual athletes to compete under strict neutrality conditions, the exclusion of entire teams reflects a firm stance in defense of the integrity of the Olympic Charter and respect for Ukraine’s national sovereignty.