Court overturns hockey ban on Russian teams
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation's decisions that excluded Russian teams from events in the 2026-27 season, ordering Russia admitted to five championships, including the men's and women's world championships. The first affected event is the men's World Junior Championship, which opens in Edmonton, Canada, on 26 Dec. The IIHF says it is disappointed, maintains its decisions were needed for safety and integrity, and will act in line with the ruling. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov welcomed the decision as final.
Key facts
- The IIHF banned Russia and Belarus after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Ukraine has also qualified for next year's men's world championship in Germany.
- Russia was not on the finalised participant list for the world junior championship.
- Russia also missed the Olympic ice hockey tournaments this year.
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Why it matters
The ruling reopens international hockey to Russian teams and raises organisational questions for next year's men's world championship in Germany.
What changed
First published from Yahoo Sports, DW, The Moscow Times, Al Jazeera English and CNA