# Ice hockey federation reiterates opposition to reinstatement of Russia

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ice-hockey-federation-reiterates-opposition-to-reinstatement-of-russia/
- Published: 2026-11-04T15:04:34+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T08:56:13+00:00
- Original publisher: Al Jazeera (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/11/4/ice-hockey-federation-reiterates-opposition-to-reinstatement-of-russia?traffic_source=rss
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- The IIHF continues to oppose Russia’s reinstatement.
- Six countries say they will not play Russia.
- Skoda may reconsider its sponsorship if Russia returns.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.