Former Cas judge: Russia will be let in

If the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) chooses not to follow the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) to allow Russia to play World Cup tournaments, the consequences could be great.

- Then I can imagine that Russia goes to Cas and wants them to fine the IIHF a billion dollars. I only throw out a sum, but it must be so high that no one dares to take the fine without being crushed, says former Cas judge Conny Jörneklint.

The IIHF said early on that they will respect the Cas decision, but since then a lot has happened. The confederations in Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Norway, Denmark and Latvia have announced that they will boycott matches against Russia, but not the tournaments themselves.

Jörneklint does not think the boycotts will lead to the IIHF ignoring the decision of Cas, which was founded in 1984 to resolve disputes in the world of sports.

- The legal system that we have maintained through Cas risks falling if international sports organizations stand aside. And I think that is completely out of the question.

It may also be relevant for Russia to take the individual national confederations before the arbitration court in Switzerland.

- If Russia would be dissatisfied and consider that these countries do not follow Cas' decision when they boycott matches against Russia - then Russia can go to Cas and say that these countries should be fined a large amount if they do not play these matches, says Conny Jörneklint.

In the event of a boycott of a match against a Russian national team in a tournament, Russia will win the match on a walkover. The Cas decision applies to all future tournaments organized by the IIHF - apart from the upcoming Women's World Cup in Denmark.