The Court of Arbitration for Sport recently invalidated the exclusion of Russia, which was originally instituted following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Skoda Auto, a tournament backer since 1993, declared it must re-evaluate its sponsorship if Russian teams compete, though the company hopes a resolution can be reached. Multiple European hockey federations have outright refused to face Russia on the ice next year. Meanwhile, other corporate sponsors are already pulling or threatening their financial backing for future championships.
Key points
Corporate sponsors are prepared to sever ties with the tournament if Russian athletes ret…: Corporate sponsors are prepared to sever ties with the tournament if Russian athletes return during the Ukraine war.
European national hockey teams are mounting a united sporting boycott against competing d…: European national hockey teams are mounting a united sporting boycott against competing directly with Russia.
The recent sports arbitration ruling has created significant operational and commercial i…: The recent sports arbitration ruling has created significant operational and commercial instability for future ice hockey championships.
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PRAGUE, Nov 4 : Czech carmaker Skoda Auto, part of the Volkswagen group, would reassess its involvement in the Ice Hockey World Championship if the Russian national team takes part in the tournament, the company said on Wednesday.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled last week to allow Russia to compete in International Ice Hockey Federation events again, overturning the governing body's decision to exclude Russian teams following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Federations in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, as well as the Czech Republic, on Tuesday said they would refuse to play Russia at next year's men's championship in Germany.
Skoda Auto, an official sponsor of the championship since 1993, said it did not support the court ruling.
"With Russia’s aggression continuing, we believe the Russian national team’s return to the World Championship is incompatible with the values we have consistently upheld," the carmaker said.
"If the Russian national team takes part in the tournament, we will reassess our involvement in the tournament and take further action," it added.
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