Russia and Belarus teams were excluded by the International Ice Hockey Federation on Wednesday from all its world championships next season, including the women's event in the United States.

The IIHF cited security concerns for players, competition staff and fans -- because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- to extend the exclusion that will stretch beyond two years when the 2023-24 season is over.

"It is too soon," IIHF president Luc Tardif said about letting Russia return. "Too many risks."