BREAKING NEWS - Two Countries Banned From Competing at IIHF Tournaments Until 'At least' 2025

Russia and Belarus have been dealt a significant blow in the international ice hockey community. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has issued a ban on both countries from participating in IIHF competitions until 'at least' 2025. The decision was made after an extensive investigation into allegations of political interference in the governance of ice hockey in these nations.

As a result of the ban, Russia and Belarus will not be able to compete in any IIHF tournaments, including the World Championships that are scheduled to take place in Latvia in May. The IIHF has announced that it will re-evaluate the situation in the future to determine whether the ban will be lifted or extended.

The announcement has been met with disappointment from hockey fans and officials in both countries. Nevertheless, the IIHF has emphasized that it will not tolerate political interference in the sport's governance and that the ban is a necessary step to safeguard the integrity and independence of international ice hockey.