Russian Ice Hockey Federation Appeals IIHF Ban to CAS
Quick Look
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after the IIHF refused to reinstate Russian players in international tournaments, following a previous refusal by the IIHF Disciplinary Committee.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) is appealing a decision by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to deny Russian players participation in international tournaments. This follows an earlier refusal by the IIHF Disciplinary Committee and a broader suspension of Russia and Belarus from international competitions in February 2022 due to the conflict in Ukraine.
NOVOSIBIRSK, May 19. /TASS/. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the refusal by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to return Russian players to international tournaments, RIHF Director General Dmitry Kurbatov said in an interview with TASS on Tuesday.
Kurbatov told TASS in March that the RIHF had sent applications to the IIHF Disciplinary Committee requesting the immediate reinstatement of the Russian national teams to international competitions.
"Our application has been reviewed. The Disciplinary Committee refused us, so we appealed to the CAS," he said.
In December 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board issued recommendations that allowed athletes in international federations from Russia and Belarus to participate in youth disciplines under the national flags and anthems. This recommendation applied to both individual and team sports. Numerous international sports federations followed the proposal.
"The IIHF reviewed this recommendation and decided against granting the approval. Therefore, we are suing the organization on this issue also in the CAS," Kurbatov added.
In February 2022, the IIHF suspended Russia and Belarus from participation in international competitions over the developments in Ukraine.
The Russian national ice hockey teams were also barred from the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy and IIHF President Luc Tardif told TASS in 2025 that the decision was made by the IOC and the IIHF had no say in this.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Court of Arbitration for Sport will review the RIHF's appeal against the IIHF's decision.
Very likely · Within weeks
The CAS may overturn or uphold the IIHF's decision regarding the reinstatement of Russian players.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the timeline for the CAS appeal process?
- What are the specific grounds for the RIHF's appeal to CAS?
- Will the CAS ruling set a precedent for other sports federations?
- What is the IIHF's official response to the CAS appeal?
