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Leading ice hockey nations, sponsors oppose Russia’s return
The IIHF says the practical and sporting consequences of a court ruling requiring Russia’s return to international ice hockey were underestimated. Several leading national associations say they will refuse to play Russian teams while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, putting pressure on the federation to decide how to proceed.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the IIHF’s security concerns lacked sufficient evidence, overturning a ban imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion. Canada’s prime minister says Russian athletes will not compete at next month’s World Junior Championship, while Germany is considering whether to give up hosting the 2027 men’s world championship. Finland is organising opposition, joined by Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Czechia; the IIHF says it is consulting member associations, organisers and host authorities.
In short
- CAS ruled the IIHF must reinstate Russia.
- Several countries say they will not play Russian teams.
- Canada and Germany are reassessing upcoming tournaments.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Reinstating Russian teams would uphold the principle that sporting eligibility should be governed by evidence and consistent rules, rather than by political pressure. The court found the IIHF had not sufficiently substantiated its security concerns, and keeping the ban could weaken confidence in fair process and risk making international sport a tool of collective punishment.
The case against
Continuing the exclusion could be justified while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, given the conflict’s serious consequences and the concerns of countries expected to compete alongside Russian teams. Associations and hosts may also judge that participation would create security, diplomatic and practical problems, and that forcing a return despite their objections could undermine the tournaments’ viability.
Explained simply
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) runs major international competitions, including the world championships and junior tournaments. Russia has been barred from its events since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, alongside measures taken by many other sports bodies.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport hears disputes in sport, including challenges to decisions by governing bodies. National associations decide whether their teams take part, while sponsors and host countries can also affect whether competitions go ahead as planned.
The dispute matters because the IIHF must balance its rules and legal obligations with the positions of teams and organisers. A return could affect who competes and where tournaments are held, while continued exclusion would keep Russia out of international events.