IIHF disputes CAS ruling opening championships to Russian team

The International Ice Hockey Federation says it disagrees with the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to allow the Russian Ice Hockey Federation to enter a Russian team in all IIHF Championships with immediate effect, and that the ruling carries practical consequences for competitions already deep into preparation.¹

The federation said it respects the authority of the court and will act in accordance with the ruling, but that the outcome does not remove the concerns behind its own assessments. It maintained that its decisions were necessary to protect the safety and security of all participants and to safeguard the integrity of its competitions.¹

The ruling covers five championships, according to the federation: the IIHF Men's World Championship 2027, the IIHF World Junior Championship 2027, the IIHF Women's World Championship 2027 in November 2027, the IIHF U18 Women's World Championship 2027 and the IIHF U18 Men's World Championship 2027.¹

The federation said any change to participation requires extensive coordination with the relevant member national associations, organizing committees and host authorities. That work includes a review of competition formats, schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements, and safety and security measures.¹

These decisions made by CAS do not consider the practical elements which cannot be implemented immediately.¹International Ice Hockey Federation

The federation said it will urgently assess the steps and time required to give effect to the ruling and address its operational consequences, with the safety of all participants and the integrity of each championship remaining central to that work. Further information on implementation and the practical arrangements for the affected competitions will be communicated in due course.¹