Russia’s international ice hockey ban overturned

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s ban on Russian teams, ruling that the IIHF did not provide enough evidence to support its safety and security concerns. The decision could return Russia to international ice hockey in the 2026-27 season, including the men’s and women’s World Championships.

Russia has been excluded from IIHF competitions since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The IIHF says the ruling does not resolve its concerns or the practical challenges of changing competition formats, schedules, travel and security arrangements; it has not said what rules on Russian flags or anthems might apply. Ukraine have qualified for next year’s men’s World Championship in Germany, scheduled for 14 to 30 May.