Russia’s international hockey ban lifted, prompting backlash from IIHF, other countries: ‘Incomprehensible’
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has overturned the IIHF’s decision to exclude Russian teams, ruling they may compete in next year’s men’s and women’s world championships. The ruling challenges a ban imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and has drawn objections from the IIHF, Ukraine and several other countries.
CAS said there was insufficient evidence to support the IIHF’s security concerns. The federation said it disagreed and had acted to protect participants and competition integrity; Ukraine’s hockey federation said the risks had intensified. Canada also opposes Russia’s participation while the invasion continues and said it will maintain restrictions at some government-funded events. The World Juniors will be the first tournament affected, while Germany is due to host next year’s World Championships.
In short
- CAS ruled Russian teams can return to IIHF competitions.
- The IIHF and several countries object to the decision.
- The World Juniors will be the first tournament affected.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Russia’s teams should be allowed to compete if the governing body cannot substantiate a specific security case for excluding them. Applying a consistent standard protects the independence of sport from political pressure and avoids treating athletes as responsible for their government’s actions; participation need not imply approval of the invasion.
The case against
The invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, and admitting Russian teams could be seen as normalising state aggression and cause serious concern for Ukrainian and other participants. The IIHF and opposing countries argue that safety, competition integrity and the practical risks of hosting are legitimate grounds for restrictions, even if those risks are difficult to demonstrate in advance.
Explained simply
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) organises major international tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Championships and the World Juniors. Russian teams have been excluded from its competitions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hears disputes in sport, including appeals against decisions by governing bodies such as the IIHF. The case centres on whether Russian teams can return while the war continues, and on how organisers assess safety and fair competition.
The issue affects teams, players and countries taking part in international tournaments, as well as their hosts. It also raises questions about how sports bodies should respond to conflicts between countries.