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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.
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.
In short
- 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.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Russia’s federation can argue that national teams should not be excluded indefinitely from sport because of their government’s actions, and that the CAS ruling requires the IIHF to apply consistent rules and respect due process. Supporters may also say that admitting Russia, if practical safeguards can be met, preserves competition on sporting merit and avoids making athletes answer for decisions they did not make.
The case against
Opponents can argue that Russia’s return is premature while the war continues and that international competition should not proceed as though the conflict has no bearing on participation. They also point to the direct cost to Ukraine, whose team could lose a place it earned, and to the practical uncertainty for hosts, teams and ticket-holders if Russia’s admission forces late changes.
Explained simply
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) organises international ice hockey competitions, including the men’s World Championship. Its tournaments have a limited number of places, filled by teams that qualify through results in earlier competitions.
Russian national teams were barred from IIHF events after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine has not played in the top-tier men’s World Championship since 2007 and has qualified to return; Russia’s possible reinstatement raises questions about which teams can take part.
A change to the field could affect schedules, tickets and the countries hosting matches. Travel permissions and hosting plans may also shape which teams are able to compete.