Russia's membership status will not be voted on at the IIHF Congress, despite the country currently being suspended following the invasion of Ukraine ©Getty Images

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Congress is due to get underway tomorrow in Tampere, but the membership status of Russia - which is currently banned - will not be on the agenda, according to the world governing body's President Luc Tardif.

As reported by Russian official state news agency TASS, Tardif confirmed this would not be voted on, but did reveal that issues related to Russia and Belarus would be a topic of conversation.

"The issue of depriving Russia of membership of the IIHF is not on the agenda," said Tardif. 

"At the same time, other decisions on Russia and Belarus will be discussed."

The Congress is to be held at the same time as the Men's Ice Hockey World Championship, which is currently taking place in Finland.

Russia and Belarus were both expelled from the tournament following the invasion of Ukraine, with France and Austria taking their places instead.

IIHF President Luc Tardif confirmed Russia and Belarus would be discussed at the Congress, even though no vote is to take place ©Getty Images
IIHF President Luc Tardif confirmed Russia and Belarus would be discussed at the Congress, even though no vote is to take place ©Getty Images

World Championships are set to be awarded at the Congress too, with the new host of the 2023 Men's World Championship to be announced following Russia being stripped of this tournament.

Finland and Latvia are expected to be confirmed by the end of the week as they are the only candidate following the withdrawal of Hungary, whose bid lacked Government support.

The Championship are scheduled to take place from May 12 to 28 next year.

The 2026 World Championship venue is to be confirmed too, with Switzerland remaining the only bidder due to the withdrawal of Kazakhstan's bid.

The IIHF Congress is scheduled to take place from tomorrow until Sunday (May 29).