The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on 30 Oct that Russia must be readmitted to international ice hockey, prompting Finland, Sweden and the Czech Republic to announce they will not face Russia in any tournament and leading major sponsors such as Škoda to threaten withdrawal. German officials say the boycott risk makes hosting the May men's World Championship in Gelsenkirchen, Mannheim and Düsseldorf practically impossible, and DEB chairman Frank Lutz says Germany may have to consider relinquishing its hosting rights.
International Ice Hockey Federation
3 stories since 30 October 2026, newest first
8 November 2026
3 November 2026
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on 30 Oct that the International Ice Hockey Federation must readmit Russian national teams of all age groups to its tournaments, including the 2027 men's World Championship in Germany. The IIHF says it disagrees with the ruling but intends to comply, and its Council met for two days to set a way forward. Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia and the Czech Republic say they will refuse to play Russia. The first tournament affected is the World Junior Championship in Alberta, Canada, from late December, where Prime Minister Mark Carney says Russia will not be allowed to play.
30 October 2026
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has overturned International Ice Hockey Federation decisions that barred Russian teams from its 2026-27 season events, ordering Russia admitted to five championships. The first affected tournament is the men's World Junior Championship in Edmonton, Canada, opening on 26 Dec. The panel found the IIHF's safety and security arguments were not backed by sufficient evidence. The IIHF says it is disappointed and maintains its decisions were necessary, while Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov called the ruling final. The Swedish Ice Hockey Federation says its position is unchanged and that Russia should not take part under current circumstances.