Ice hockey-Russia, Belarus still barred from men's World Championship as IIHF extends ban

July 30 : Russia and Belarus will remain excluded from most major international ice hockey tournaments next season, the sport's world governing body said on Thursday, citing "ongoing safety, security and sporting integrity concerns".The decision means Russia's teams will not compete in IIHF events during the 2026-27 season, including the men's World Championship, World Junior Championship and the men's and women's Under-18 World Championships.Belarus also remain barred from the World Junior Championship, although the IIHF had previously announced plans to reintegrate the country in some lower-level competitions, including the men's and women's under-18 events and Women's Division IV World Championship."In line with the event-by-event approach established, the eligibility of Russia at the I