The CHL Board discussed and evaluated the developments in Belarus carefully in an extraordinary Board meeting held by video conference. The situation has been monitored very closely in the past weeks and months. With regard to the most recent developments, the CHL Board decided that a participation of Belarus in the 2021/22 CHL season is associated as per today with too many unpredictabilities for all involved stakeholders and therefore, the Wild Card for their champions Yunost Minsk must be cancelled.

Statement of the CHL Board: “Following the latest incidents in Belarus and the related reactions with unpredictable effects travelling to and from Minsk has become difficult. Various flight disruptions have been announced and implemented already, some of them at least until the end of October, and it is not at all foreseeable what is next to come. It is a prerequisite for our pan-European competition that teams, fans, officials, sponsors/partners and service providers can travel and stay safely. Unfortunately, this is currently not granted for travel to and from Belarus. It is currently impossible for involved parties to plan ahead, but we must have clear circumstances to enable the CHL competition to take place and to fulfill our duties towards all stakeholders. Irrespective of our decision, Belarus with its vital history in the CHL remains a respected partner and we would like to thank Yunost Minsk and the Belarusian Ice Hockey Association for their commitment and their efforts during these challenging times.”

The CHL Board has not yet decided how to handle the 32nd place in the competition which became available now. Different options will be reviewed and discussed in the upcoming weeks. The CHL will inform as soon as a decision is taken.