IIHF suspends Russian, Belarusian teams amid ongoing military invasion of UkraineThe International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on Monday suspended Russian and Belarusian teams from its competitions until further notice and revoked Russia's 2023 world junior championship hosting rights.

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The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on Monday suspended Russian and Belarusian teams from its competitions until further notice and revoked Russia's 2023 World Junior Championship hosting rights.

The announcement comes as sporting bodies around the globe move to bar Russian athletes from competing in international events amid Russia's ongoing military invasion of Ukraine.

"We were incredibly shocked to see the images that have come out of Ukraine," IIHF President Luc Tardif said in a statement.

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"I have been in close contact with the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine and we hope for all Ukrainians that this conflict can be resolved in a peaceful way and without the need for further violence."

Both FIFA and UEFA suspended Russian teams from international football and the International Olympic Committee's executive board recommended federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competition.

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