The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) stripped Belarus of rights to host the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship citing safety and security concerns.

A statement released by the IIHF on Monday said the "unavoidable" decision was arrived at following the end of an extensive due diligence process by its council.

The IIHF said it had undertaken a "fair and unbiased" process with regard to concerns about political unrest and COVID-19 in the country.

"The IIHF has a duty of care to all Championship participants. As such, IIHF Bylaw 9 provides the IIHF Council the ability to withdraw an IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship from a hosting nation if there is reason for concern that the well-being or the safe freedom of movement of the players, officials, traveling spectators and media is in doubt," the statement said.

"Taking into consideration everything the IIHF Council learned during the due diligence process, the IIHF Council has determined that it is currently impossible to ensure the welfare of teams, spectators and officials while holding a World Championship in Belarus."

IIHF President René Fasel said it was "very regrettable" to take this decision at a time when the event would have been able to foster reconciliation and help ease the tension in Belarus.

"And while the Council feels that the World Championship should not be used for political promotion by any side, it has acknowledged that hosting this event in Minsk would not be appropriate when there are bigger issues to deal with and the safety and security of teams, spectators, and officials to prioritize," Fasel said.

The IIHF had been under pressure from European nations and sponsors of the event to take action over reports of a crackdown by authorities on protestors following last year's election.

The IIHF added that it will consider the status of Latvia as co-host of the games given that the right to host the Championship was awarded to a joint bid (Minsk/Riga 2021).

In addition to that, the IIHF will consider a proposal of moving to a single-venue format to enable COVID-19 safety regulations and team travel. 

(With input from agencies)