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Ice hockey: Norway says it’s been kicked out of World Juniors in favor of Russia
Norway says it has been removed from the 2027 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship to make room for Russia, following a ruling requiring the sport’s international governing body to allow Russia back into competition. The dispute matters because several countries have said they will not play Russia, leaving the tournament’s final place and the wider return to international hockey unresolved.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has not publicly confirmed Norway’s removal, and its website still listed Norway among the 10 teams. The tournament is due to begin on 26 December in Edmonton and Red Deer, Canada; Swiss Ice Hockey says its team will not face Russia, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Russian athletes will not compete in Canada while the war in Ukraine continues. Norway is awaiting more information, and Germany is also discussing how to proceed with hosting next year’s men’s world championship amid possible boycotts and sponsor withdrawals.
In short
- Norway says it has been dropped to accommodate Russia.
- The IIHF has not publicly confirmed the change.
- Boycotts and Canada’s position leave Russia’s participation uncertain.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Allowing Russia back into international hockey could uphold the principle that athletes should not be excluded indefinitely because of their nationality, and comply with the ruling described in the report. Supporters may argue that sport should apply consistent eligibility rules and offer a route back to competition, while leaving individual countries to decide whether they will play.
The case against
Keeping Russia out can be defended as a response to the continuing war in Ukraine and as a way to avoid treating international competition as detached from the conflict. Opponents of readmission may also argue that returning Russia now could undermine the stance of countries unwilling to play and create practical disruption for hosts, teams and sponsors.
Explained simply
The IIHF runs international ice hockey competitions, including the World Junior Championship, a tournament for national under-20 teams. Norway and Russia are among the countries involved in a dispute over who should take part in the 2027 event in Canada.
Russia has been barred from many international competitions since its invasion of Ukraine. A ruling has called for the IIHF to allow Russian teams back, while some countries have said they will not play against them.
The dispute raises questions about how international sports bodies respond to political conflicts, and whether tournaments can go ahead if teams withdraw. It also affects organisers and host countries planning future events.