Upon recommendations by the IIHF Covid-19 Expert Group, the IIHF Council has unanimously decided that all 2020-21 tournaments in the lower division men’s senior, women’s senior, and men’s U18 categories are cancelled.
The Council will meet again in January to discuss whether the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship and the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey Men’s U18 World Championship can take place.
Already clear is that the Olympic Qualifiers for the women's tournament have been postponed to August (Round 1), October (Round 2), and, pending confirmation from the International Olympic Committee, November (Final Round).
As for the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, there are political and health issues to consider. According to René Fasel, they are currently at an impasse: if the political situation in Belarus stays as is, it is questionable whether a tournament can be held there. On the other hand, the IIHF needs this tournament.
“Whatever we decide to do, we will take our time to make a rational decision based on the best research and information we have,” said Fasel. “This report was a great start for us and initiated a very constructive discussion among the Council members.”
