Johan Esk: All the nos shake up the entire sports legal system

- It was as good as expected considering that Finland, Norway and Denmark have already given the same message. Russia should not be welcomed into sports as long as President Putin continues his war.

- But all these nos create another problem.

Which then?

- The countries are rebelling against the decision from the sports arbitration court Cas, which came last Friday. Cas is an independent legal security body to which everything from individuals to nations can turn. Cas must review whether any formal errors were committed when decisions were made in sports, often involving suspensions. It is very important that this system exists and works. When Sweden and other nations now shoot the messenger, the credibility of Cas is lowered.

In what way is the messenger shot?

- It was the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) that made a formal error from the beginning when Russia was suspended in 2022. The IIHF should have said that the suspension was due to Russia starting a war against a peaceful neighboring country. Instead, the decision was justified by the fact that the safety of the participants was threatened. A cowardly and ill-chosen tactic by the IIHF that led to a powerful own goal four years later.

The countries that refuse to face Russia must still take part in the tournaments. How will it go together?

- Good question. Next thanks.

Yes, what happens now, are there going to be any World Cups in ice hockey?

- Right now the entire hockey world is in chaos. It is good that the Junior crowns will not be the first to play against Russia during the JVM in Canada around the New Year. The organizers there have not said more than that they are negative about Russian participation. Germany will host the men's World Cup this spring. The Germans have been more clear that they do not want the tournament if Russia is to come.

- So who knows. It may end up with those who think that the Ice Hockey World Cup should not be played every year become winners.