CAS Overturns IIHF Ban on Russian Ice Hockey Teams

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has reversed the International Ice Hockey Federation's ban on Russia, which had been in place since the country's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Following an appeal from the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, CAS conducted an in-person hearing in Lausanne, Switzerland, and determined that the IIHF's concerns regarding safety and security were not sufficiently substantiated. As a result, Russian teams are expected to compete in IIHF events starting in the 2026-27 season, including both men's and women's World Championships.

The IIHF expressed disappointment with the ruling, emphasizing that their decisions were made to ensure the safety of all participants and the integrity of competitions. They also noted that the ruling did not adequately consider the practical implications of reinstating Russian teams, such as competition formats and safety measures.