The IOC no longer recommends banning Belarusian teams from competitions governed by international federations. Russia remains suspended, and the IIHF has already suspended both countries for 2026-27.
The International Olympic Committee no longer recommends Belarusian athletes and teams be restricted from competition.
The IOC previously recommended restrictions on Belarusian participation because of the country's assistance in Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Olympic Committee remains suspended.
On Thursday, the IOC said the National Olympic Committee of Belarus is in good standing and complies with the Olympic charter.
The International Ice Hockey Federation already ruled to uphold the suspension on teams from Belarus and Russia for the 2026-27 season, citing security reasons, although youth teams could be allowed in 2027-28.
That said, the IOC no longer recommends banning Belarusian teams from competitions governed by international federations, such as the IIHF.
"As the IOC continues to navigate the ever-increasing complex realities and consequences of the current geopolitical context, including the rising number of wars and conflicts, and amidst growing global instability, it must uphold its mission to preserve a values-based and truly global sporting platform that provides hope to the world," it said in a statement.
The IOC said it confirmed the fundamental right of athletes to access sport and compete free from political interference in late 2025.
"The IOC reaffirms that athletes' participation in international competition should not be limited by the actions of their governments, including involvement in a war or conflict," it said.
Belarusian athletes were allowed to participate as individual neutral athletes at the 2024 and 2026 Olympics.
The timing of the announcement comes before the qualification period for the 2028 Summer Olympics and 2028 Winter Youth Olympics starts this summer.
What Has Been The IIHF's Stance On Belarus?
The IIHF Council decided in January to maintain the suspension on Russian and Belarusian teams because security conditions do not meet the requirements to guarantee everyone's safety at a tournament if they were to participate.
Youth teams from Russia and Belarus may be allowed into IIHF championships in 2027-28 if security and safety risks decline sufficiently.
At the February Olympics in Italy, IIHF president Luc Tardif said he wants Belarus and Russia back in competition as soon as possible "because first it will mean that the world will be a little bit better."
He also said the IIHF follows the recommendation of the IOC.
Tardif previously specifically said reinstating Russia and Belarus would mean the war would be over, and bringing them back early wouldn't be good.
Eight players from Belarus played in the NHL this season: Aliaksei and Ilya Protas, Yegor Sharangovich, Artyom Levshunov, Ilya Solovyov, Vlasdislav Kolyachonok and goalies Nikita Tolopilo and Aleksei Kolosov.
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