The International Ice Hockey Federation is actively consulting with host authorities and national associations to address the fallout from the CAS decision. Multiple European countries, including Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic, have already pledged to boycott matches against Russia at next year's men's World Championships in Germany. Furthermore, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Russian and Belarusian athletes are barred from the upcoming World Junior Championship in Alberta. Key commercial partners are also pushing back, with long-time sponsor Skoda Auto threatening to withdraw its backing over corporate values.
Key points
The International Ice Hockey Federation maintains that immediately reintegrating Russian…: The International Ice Hockey Federation maintains that immediately reintegrating Russian teams poses severe logistical and security obstacles.
Long-time official tournament sponsor Skoda Auto warned it will reassess its commercial p…: Long-time official tournament sponsor Skoda Auto warned it will reassess its commercial partnership if Russia returns to the ice.
Russian ambassador Oleg Stepanov condemned Canada's tournament ban as an attempt to polit…: Russian ambassador Oleg Stepanov condemned Canada's tournament ban as an attempt to politicise international junior hockey.
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The CAS ruled last week to overturn governing body’s exclusion of Russia over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has said it maintains its disagreement with a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision to reinstate Russian teams, warning of “significant practical and sporting challenges”.
The statement on Wednesday follows announcements from Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the Czech Republic that their national teams will refuse to play against Russia at next year’s men’s World Championships in Germany.
The CAS ruled last week to overturn the governing body’s exclusion of Russia from international competition following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“As presented to the CAS, the immediate reintegration of Russian teams presents significant practical and sporting challenges, including visa and entry requirements, security provisions, logistical constraints and consequences for competition formats,” the IIHF said.
The decision has prompted widespread backlash. Latvia and Finland have also said their teams will not play Russia, while the Finnish city of Turku threatened to drop hosting duties for the 2028 World Junior Championship.
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