Court of Arbitration for Sport clears Russia's return to world ice hockey tournaments

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, which settles legal disputes in sport, has unanimously ruled in Russia's favour in its case against the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The ban on Russian hockey teams, in place since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, was found to be unjustified. The decision means Russia can return to IIHF tournaments, including the World Championship, and it has created tension among the leading hockey nations.

What the court decided

A three-member panel chaired by Italian Giulio Palermo heard both sides from 23 to 26 October. The ruling cites three main reasons: the IIHF did not provide enough evidence of security risks, its council failed to offer new, legally binding arguments, and athletes of one nationality cannot be banned over security risks without serious evidence. The full judgment has not yet been published, but the decision is already in force. The court noted that it has no authority to decide whether Russia may use its anthem and flag, or what to do if other countries refuse to play against Russians.

The IIHF expressed regret but said it would comply. Its new president, German Franz Reindl, took over in early October and has taken a relatively soft line on Russia since the war began.

Reaction from countries

Heiki Hietanen, president of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association, said any player's refusal to face Russia would be understood, but the team will play at the championship. Sweden also opposes Russian participation but is not discussing a boycott. Roberts Pļāvējs, secretary general of the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation, said the team would not play Russia, in line with Latvian law, but could not withdraw from the championship.

The German federation, which will host the next World Championship, opposes Russian participation, and Germany is ready to give up hosting if Russia takes part. The Canadian government said tournaments with Russian participation will receive no state funding and did not rule out refusing visas. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen plans to seek limits on Russian athletes entering the Schengen area at an EU ministers' meeting.