International Tribunal rules to allow Russian ice hockey team to participate in international competitions

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced a ruling in favor of Moscow on Friday (October 30), and the Russian national ice hockey team was allowed to participate in the 2027 World Ice Hockey Championship in Germany. After Russia invaded Ukraine, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) issued a ban on the participation of powerful Russia and Belarus in international competitions.

The CAS ruling was based on an appeal by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF). The Court of Arbitration for Sport found that the safety concerns raised by the IIHF lacked sufficient evidence and therefore the Russian national team must be allowed to participate in international competitions in the 2026/27 season. The Men's Ice Hockey World Championship will be held in Germany from May 13 to 30, 2027, and the Women's Ice Hockey World Championship and the Youth and U18 Ice Hockey World Championship will be held in Canada in November.

The German Ice Hockey Association (DEB) has expressed strong criticism of Russia's return to international competitions. Frank H. Lutz, president of the association, said, "Our position remains the same: reject the return of the Russian national team to international ice hockey competitions." He said that this position has been clearly stated not only to the IIHF Council, but also at the hearing of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport."

Lutz said that the new ruling of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport “has changed the basic situation of the 2027 World Championships in Germany. Allowing Russia to participate would have significant security, political and economic implications for us as hosts. We are currently evaluating this ruling with the IIHF and will keep you informed of next steps. "

He may not be able to participate in the World Championships in Germany next year.

The Russian Hockey Federation called the decision to allow them to return to the ice "an important step forward." Roman Rotenberg, first vice president of the association, wrote on Telegram, “We still need to work hard to implement the CAS ruling. We look forward to working constructively with the IIHF to prepare for the team’s return. We will continue to work for Russia's future victory. "

However, the prospect of whether the Russian team can actually participate in next year's World Championships in Mannheim and Dusseldorf, Germany, is still unclear. The International Court of Arbitration for Sport only resolves the legal issue of Russia's qualifications, but it has no power to decide for the IIHF how Germany, as the host country, will arrange the World Championships. It is reported that the entry list, grouping and other procedures have been determined, and Russia was not included before. If it is rescheduled now, it will inevitably have to change the schedule and rearrange accommodation, transportation and security. Also, which participating country is willing to be disqualified and replaced by Russia?