The court overturns exclusions for the 2026–27 season, including the men’s and women’s world championships. The federation says it will comply while maintaining its safety objections.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to admit Russian teams to 5 tournaments on October 30, 2026, overturning exclusions for the 2026–27 season, DW said. The court found insufficient evidence to support the security concerns behind the exclusions.
The IIHF had barred Russian teams from its tournaments since shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
| Tournament | Host | Scheduled timing |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s World Junior Championship | Edmonton and Red Deer, Canada | Starts 26 December 2026 |
| Men’s World Championship | Germany | May 2027 |
| Women’s World Championship | Canada | November 2027 |
| Under-18 World Championship | Minnesota | 2027 |
| Under-18 World Championship |
| Czech Republic |
| 2027 |
The junior championship is the first affected event. The women’s championship in Canada in November 2027 must be distinguished from Denmark’s women’s championship, which starts on 6 November 2026: the CAS statement does not mention the Danish event.
The IIHF said its exclusions were necessary to protect participants' safety and security and the integrity of its competitions. It said it would comply with the ruling, but that the decision did not remove those concerns.
The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) also opposed Russia’s return. Its chairman, Frank Lutz, said admitting Russian teams would have significant security, political and financial consequences for Germany as host.
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov welcomed the ruling, saying CAS had recognized the Russian Hockey Federation’s demands on key points as justified.
Franz Reindl of Germany took over as IIHF president from Luc Tardif of France in October 2026. His federation must now work out how to implement Russia’s return.
Ukraine has qualified for the men’s championship in Germany, and the draw has already been made. How Russia will fit into that tournament remains unresolved.
CAS said its ruling did not decide whether Russia must compete as neutral athletes without national symbols, or settle other organizational consequences.
The IIHF said it would decide practical arrangements after assessing the ruling, in a statement cited by the Associated Press.
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