The Russian Ice Hockey Federation said it is considering filing a legal appeal against the world governing ice hockey body’s decision to bar Russia from the 2026 World Cup, TASS reported.

Earlier on Tuesday, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) voted to exclude Russia from taking part in the 2026 World Cup. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide on whether to allow the Russian national team to compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy next year at a later time.

"The Russian Ice Hockey Federation will have the right to challenge the IIHF decision after the 2025 [IIHF Ice Hockey] World Championship is over. The International Ice Hockey Federation said it may review its ban if the military conflict in Ukraine ends," the RIHF said in a statement.

In February 2022, the IIHF suspended Russia and Belarus from participation in international competitions. The national teams have already missed out on three world championships and will be barred from the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship as well.

In late March, 2023, the IOC recommended to permit individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in international sports tournaments, but only under certain conditions. Specifically, athletes from the two countries must compete under a neutral status. Russia and Belarus were also banned from participating in international team events.

Switzerland will host the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship on May 15-31.