Norway rules out Russia game at 2027 ice hockey worlds for now

The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association said on 3 November that Norway would not face Russia at the men’s World Championship under current circumstances. Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Latvia and Denmark have also adopted refusals to play Russia, bringing the total to six of the tournament’s 16 participating nations, the Associated Press said. Norway intends to play its other group matches as scheduled.

The refusals follow the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s October 30 ruling that Russia must be admitted to the world championships after an appeal by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. Russia had been excluded from International Ice Hockey Federation competitions since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The tournament is scheduled for May in Germany, but Germany’s hosting remains unresolved. The draw and match schedule had already been completed without Russia. The International Ice Hockey Federation opposed the ruling and said it created significant practical implications.

Refusals target games against Russia

Norway’s association said playing Russia could expose its players and staff to significant security risks. It cited their safety and wellbeing as reasons for its decision, alongside its position that Russia should remain excluded while the war in Ukraine continues.

Finland began rallying other countries on 2 November to prevent Russia’s reinstatement and form a common front to tell the International Ice Hockey Federation they would not play Russia under current circumstances, Al Jazeera said. Sweden has ruled out matches against Russian national teams while the war continues and opposes Russia’s participation in international ice hockey during the war. Latvia’s hockey federation firmly opposes Russia’s return and says its national teams will not play Russia or Belarus while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. Czechia joined the other federations rather than waiting for a board meeting it had initially planned.

Denmark has also ruled out facing Russia, citing the integrity of the sport. Denmark and Sweden, like Norway, intend to play their other tournament matches, The Moscow Times said.

Hosting and sponsorship decisions remain conditional

Austria is considering joining the boycott and is coordinating with authorities; it has not announced a decision to join. Germany could withdraw as host over cost and security concerns, its hockey federation’s chief executive said.

Sponsors have also made conditional announcements. Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres said it would stop sponsoring the championship if Russia participates. Swedish furniture maker AJ Products said it would ask for its logo not to be displayed if Russia plays.

The International Ice Hockey Federation had not immediately responded to the boycotts. The ruling requires Russia’s reinstatement to begin before the men’s championship, with the world juniors starting in December 2026 in Canada, AP said.