Eight European countries have announced that they will refuse to play matches against Russian national ice hockey teams, despite the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding their return to international competition. The Czech Republic, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, France, Austria, Norway and Latvia have joined the boycott. Canada has separately spoken out against the Russian team’s participation in the 2027 World Junior Championship. This was reported on 6 November by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine.
- Eight European countries have refused to play against Russian ice hockey teams.
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport has lifted the restrictions on Russia’s participation in the 2027 championships.
- Canada has stated that it will not allow Russians to take part in the World Youth Championships.
- Major sponsors are threatening to withdraw their support for international ice hockey tournaments.
- Ukraine is preparing to return to the top flight for the first time in 20 years.
Eight countries are refusing to take to the ice against Russia
Minister for Youth and Sport of Ukraine Matviy Bidnyi He reported that the number of national federations opposed to the return of Russian ice hockey teams continues to grow. European countries are prepared to refuse to play direct matches against Russia, even if it is admitted to the 2027 World Championship in Germany.
Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and the Czech Republic had previously confirmed their position separately. The list of countries that refuse to play matches against Russian teams also includes Latvia, Austria and France. The national federations cite the full-scale war against Ukraine, security risks and the inability to ensure normal conditions for matches.
The stance taken by these countries does not mean they are withdrawing from the tournament itself. In particular, the Scandinavian federations have stated that they are prepared to play the remaining scheduled matches, but will not take to the ice against Russia.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has authorised the return of the Russian national teams
The international dispute arose following the CAS ruling of 30 October, which upheld the appeal lodged by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation and overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) restrictions on the participation of Russian teams in five World Championships in 2027.
The decision applies to the men’s and women’s world championships, the youth championship, and two under-18 junior tournaments. Previously, the IIHF had barred Russian national teams from international competitions due to the war against Ukraine and threats to the safety of participants.
The International Ice Hockey Federation has expressed its disappointment at the arbitration ruling. The organisation stated that the return of Russian teams poses challenges in terms of security, the match schedule, logistics and tournament organisation. The IIHF has agreed to comply with the CAS ruling, but emphasised that the practical arrangements for its implementation still need to be worked out.
Canada will not allow Russia to take part in the World Youth Championships
Canada has taken a separate stance, as it is set to host the World Junior Championships in late December 2026 and early January 2027. The Canadian authorities have stated that the Russian team will not take part in the tournament, despite the decision of the international arbitration tribunal.
The dispute has also affected sponsors of world ice hockey. Škoda, Nokian Tyres, Strauss and AJ Products have expressed concern about Russia’s return. Some of them have threatened to withdraw their financial support or remove their branding from IIHF events.
The 2027 Men’s World Championship is scheduled to take place in Germany. The organisers are already considering the possible implications of the Russian team’s return, as this may require a review of the list of participants and the match schedule.
Ukraine returns to the top flight after 20 years
The situation also directly affects the Ukrainian national team, which has qualified to compete in the top division of the World Championship for the first time since 2007. According to the provisional draw, Ukraine is set to play in Group A alongside Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Latvia, Austria and Slovenia.
The possibility of Russia being included in the tournament raises questions about the already confirmed line-up of participants. However, the IIHF has not announced a final decision regarding any changes to the groups or the exclusion of any national team.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine have thanked the countries that are refusing to play matches against Russia. The Ukrainian side has called on other international partners to support these restrictions and to continue working together to prevent Russian teams from returning to international competitions.
