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Ice hockey federation reiterates opposition to reinstatement of Russia
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) says it still opposes a court ruling that would reinstate Russian teams in international competition. Its warning comes as several countries and a major sponsor resist Russia’s possible return to next year’s men’s World Championships in Germany, creating uncertainty over how the tournament could proceed.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned Russia’s exclusion following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Finland have said they will not play Russia; the IIHF cited visa, security, logistical and competition-format challenges. Skoda, the championships’ main sponsor since 1993, said it would reassess its involvement if Russia takes part, while Canada’s prime minister said Russia and Belarus would be barred from the upcoming World Junior Championship in Alberta.
In short
- The IIHF continues to oppose Russia’s reinstatement.
- Six countries say they will not play Russia.
- Skoda may reconsider its sponsorship if Russia returns.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those opposing Russia’s return argue that competing while the invasion of Ukraine continues would risk treating a grave breach of international norms as business as usual. They also point to the stated safety, visa and logistical concerns, and to the risk that players or host countries could face pressure or disruption; sponsors and teams, they say, should not be compelled to participate in conditions they find unacceptable.
The case against
Those favouring reinstatement argue that sporting eligibility should be governed by consistent rules and decisions made by the relevant courts and federations, rather than by political pressure or sponsor preferences. They may contend that excluding Russian athletes collectively penalises individuals for their government’s actions, and that practical concerns can be addressed through neutral participation rules and tournament planning.
Explained simply
The International Ice Hockey Federation, or IIHF, runs international ice hockey competitions, including the men’s World Championships. Russia’s national teams were excluded after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport is an independent body that settles disputes in sport. It overturned Russia’s exclusion, but several countries say they would not play against Russia, and sponsor Škoda has said it would review its involvement if Russia takes part.
The dispute matters because the IIHF must decide how to apply the ruling while organising competitions involving teams, venues and sponsors. It also reflects wider disagreements over Russia’s participation in international sport after the invasion.