# Putin says countries resisting Russia’s return to world sport are violating democratic bodies

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/putin-says-countries-resisting-russias-return-to-world-sport-are-violating-democratic-bodies/
- Published: 2026-11-05T18:49:23+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T19:38:11+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/putin-says-countries-resisting-russias-return-world-sport-are-violating-democratic-bodies-6528776
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- Putin says resistance to Russia’s return violates democratic principles.
- CAS cleared Russian ice hockey teams to compete in 2026–27.
- Several countries refuse to play Russia, citing the invasion and safety concerns.

## Summary

President Vladimir Putin has accused countries resisting Russia’s return to international sport of violating Russian athletes’ rights and undermining democratic institutions. His comments follow a sports court ruling that allows Russian teams back into international ice hockey, despite several countries saying they will not play against them.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport last week upheld Russia’s appeal against a ban on its teams for the 2026–27 season. Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia and the Czech Republic have said they will refuse to play Russia; Canada has also barred Russia and Belarus from next month’s World Junior Championship in Alberta. The International Olympic Committee and sports bodies imposed restrictions after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though the IOC provisionally lifted its suspension of Russia’s Olympic Committee in July.

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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.