# Ukraine is back at the hockey World Championship after 20 years. A ruling in Russia’s favor could knock it out before the tournament begins.

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ukraine-is-back-at-the-hockey-world-championship-after-20-years-a-ruling-in-russias-favor-could-knock-it-out-before-the-tournament-begins/
- Published: 2026-11-02T23:50:19+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T20:09:43+00:00
- Original publisher: Meduza
- Original article: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/11/03/ukraine-is-back-at-the-hockey-world-championship-after-20-years-a-ruling-in-russia-s-favor-could-knock-it-out-before-the-tournament-begins
- Topics: Entertainment, Europe, TV, World

## Key points

- CAS ordered the IIHF to allow Russian teams back immediately.
- Ukraine could lose its first men’s championship place in 20 years.
- Organisers face scheduling, visa and hosting uncertainty.

## Summary

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation to let Russian national teams return to international tournaments immediately, overturning the IIHF’s decision to keep them banned for the 2026–27 season. The ruling has put Ukraine’s return to the men’s World Championship at risk: if Russia is admitted to the 16-team tournament, Ukraine, the lowest-ranked qualifier, could lose its place.

The tournament fields and most schedules were set before the ruling, with tickets already on sale for several events, so organisers may have to alter formats or replace teams. Ten national federations, including Ukraine’s, condemned the decision, while Slovakia and Belarus supported it. Visa and hosting obstacles also remain: Canada and Czechia have signalled restrictions, and Germany’s federation has said it may give up hosting the men’s championship in May 2027 if Russia is admitted.

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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.