Sports
IIHF Stands Firm Against Russia’s Return to International Hockey
The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s exclusion of Russia from international competition after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The IIHF has said it disagrees with the CAS decision and warns that reinstating Russian teams would create significant practical and sporting challenges, including visa and entry requirements, security provisions, logistical constraints and consequences for competition formats. The statement came after Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the Czech Republic announced that their national teams would refuse to play Russia at next year’s men’s World Championships in Germany. Latvia and Finland also said their teams would not play Russia, and the Finnish city of Turku threatened to withdraw its hosting duties for the 2028 World Junior Championship. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Russia and Belarus would be barred from the upcoming World Junior Championship in Alberta. Moscow criticised the move, with Russian ambassador Oleg Stepanov telling state‑run news agency TASS that Canada was “bringing politics even into junior hockey”. The IIHF said it remains in dialogue with national associations, host authorities and organisers to determine the best path forward. Czech carmaker Skoda Auto, the main sponsor of the ice hockey world championships, said it would “reassess” its sponsorship if Russia takes part in the annual tournament. “If the Russian national team takes part in the tournament, we will reassess our involvement in the tournament and take further action,” Skoda told the AFP news agency. It added that Russia’s return was “incompatible with the values we have consistently upheld”. Skoda Auto, a unit of Germany’s Volkswagen, has been the tournament’s official main sponsor since 1993 and also sponsors the Tour de France. Its spokeswoman Ivana Povolna refused to specify the amount Skoda spends on the ice hockey world championships annually. Skoda’s 2025 annual report says the company lent 45 electric cars to the organisers, while its designers made the crystal trophy for the most valuable player of the tournament.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the IIHF oppose the CAS decision to reinstate Russia?
The IIHF said reinstating Russian teams would create significant practical and sporting challenges, including visa and entry requirements, security provisions, logistical constraints, and consequences for competition formats.
Which national teams announced they would refuse to play Russia at the upcoming men's World Championships?
Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Latvia, and Finland said their teams would not play Russia.
What action did Skoda Auto announce regarding Russia's participation?
Skoda Auto said it would reassess its sponsorship of the ice hockey world championships if the Russian national team takes part, stating Russia's return is incompatible with the values it upholds.