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.
In short
- CAS overturned Russia’s international ice hockey ban.
- Russian teams could return in 2026-27.
- The IIHF says major safety and logistical concerns remain.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Russia’s teams should be allowed to compete if the governing body cannot substantiate a safety case for excluding them. Sport benefits from consistent rules and from separating athletes’ participation from governments’ actions; the IIHF can still set practical safeguards for venues, travel and competition formats.
The case against
The IIHF can argue that restoring Russia’s teams poses safety and security risks that extend beyond the evidence considered by the court, and that it must protect players, staff and host countries. With Ukraine due to compete in Germany, organisers also face real logistical and diplomatic complications, so they may favour keeping the ban while assessing whether safe and workable arrangements are possible.