CAS allows Russia back into Ice Hockey World Championships
The IIHF intends to accept the ruling, but, like the next World Championship host federation DEB, expresses its displeasure and concerns.
The international sports court CAS opens the door for Russia's return to Ice Hockey World Championships in 2027.
This means Russia will participate again in five final tournaments in 2027:
Men's World Championship 2027
Women's World Championship 2027
U18 Women's World Championship 2027
U18 Men's World Championship 2027
The world governing body IIHF intends to accept the ruling, but expresses its disappointment: "The IIHF maintains its view that the decision was necessary to preserve the safety of all participants and the integrity of its competitions. While the IIHF respects the authority of the CAS and will act in accordance with its ruling, this outcome does not change the concerns."
Enormous organizational effort
Furthermore, all affected final tournaments are already in an advanced planning phase, and the reintegration of Russian national teams would entail an enormous organizational effort - apart from consequences outside the IIHF's scope, such as guaranteeing that all Russian players would receive visas.
"The CAS decisions do not take into account practical elements that cannot be implemented immediately," the statement reads. Details on how and within what timeframe the ruling will be implemented are yet to follow.
The German Ice Hockey Federation DEB, host of the next A-World Championship, also issued a statement:
"Our position remains unchanged: We reject the return of Russian national teams to international ice hockey tournaments. As an IIHF member, we clearly and unequivocally stated this position to both the IIHF Council and during the hearing before the CAS. The ruling fundamentally changes the situation for the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2027 in Germany. Russia's admission has significant security-related, political, and economic consequences for us as the host. We are now evaluating the ruling together with the IIHF and will provide information on the next steps," said CEO Frank Lutz.
