CAS Orders Immediate Restoration of Russia's Hockey Teams in International Tournaments

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) orders the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to immediately reinstate Russia's hockey teams in international tournaments, reports the IIHF. The decision applies to next year's World Championships for adult men, U-20 and U-18 hockey teams, as well as the Women's World Championships. The Latvian national team also plays in the top division of men's championships.

In January, Russia's disqualification was extended, but the Russian Ice Hockey Federation appealed this decision, and the IIHF Disciplinary Committee overturned the previous decision, which would have barred Russian teams from participating in the championships. In July, after reviewing the conduct of each World Championship, the IIHF Council decided not to allow Russian teams to compete in the men's World Championship, the World Junior Championship, and the World U-18 Championship in both women's and men's competitions next season.

Russian teams have been disqualified from IIHF competitions since February 2022, when Russia launched its renewed invasion of Ukraine. During this period, the teams have missed five consecutive World Championships and the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina.

On Friday, the IIHF announced that it disagrees with aspects of the CAS decision and insists that its decisions were necessary to protect the safety of all participants and ensure the fairness of the competition. Although the IIHF respects the authority of the CAS and will act in accordance with its decision, this outcome does not diminish the concerns that underpinned the IIHF's initial assessment, the IIHF statement said.