Court orders Russia back to ice hockey after 2022 ban

Russia will return to international ice hockey competitions, the Court of Arbitration for Sport decided on Friday. The ruling reverses a ban imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

CAS struck down International Ice Hockey Federation decisions that kept Russia out of the 2026-27 season. The ban covered the men’s and women’s world championships and the world juniors. Russia also missed the Olympic events this year.

The court found insufficient evidence to support the IIHF’s security claims. The ruling did not determine whether Russian teams must play as neutrals or without national symbols.

New IIHF President Franz Reindl faces an immediate implementation problem. Germany hosts the men’s world championship next year, and Ukraine has qualified. Reindl said the federation will seek practical solutions with organizers and host cities.

German hockey federation chairman Frank H. Lutz stated that allowing Russia creates security and financial burdens. He noted that Germany remains opposed to the return. The tournament draw is already set, making it difficult to add a 17th team without disrupting group sizes.

The Ukrainian Hockey Federation disagrees with the decision and cited rising security risks since 2022. Ukraine was the last team to qualify for the men’s worlds, ending a two year absence. It is currently the lowest ranked team among the 16 participating nations.

Federations in Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic expressed disappointment. Swedish Ice Hockey Association chairman Anders Larsson told news agency TT that a boycott is not planned. Finland indicated players could opt out of tournaments featuring Russia.

The first event Russia can enter is the men’s world junior championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, starting December 26. Other affected events include the women’s worlds in Canada in November 2027 and youth tournaments in Minnesota and the Czech Republic.

The ruling does not apply to the NHL’s 2028 World Cup of Hockey. The league plans to follow international guidance on Russian participation. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league will wait for more information before deciding.