Court of Arbitration for Sport Overturns IIHF Ban on Russian Ice Hockey

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s suspension of Russia, clearing the way for Russian teams to return to global competition.

Russia has been barred from IIHF events since February 2022, following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this year, the IIHF’s council upheld the exclusion after a review.

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which heard the case in person at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

In its statement, CAS said the IIHF’s arguments—citing safety, security, and other concerns—were “not supported by sufficient evidence.”

As a result, Russia is expected to participate in IIHF events during the 2026–27 season, including the men’s and women’s world championships.

It remains unclear whether restrictions will apply to flags, team clothing, or the playing of the national anthem.

Individual Russian athletes competed under a neutral flag at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, though not in ice hockey.

The IIHF expressed “disappointment” with the ruling, stating that it disagrees with this aspect of the decision and maintains that its actions were necessary to protect the safety and security of all participants and preserve the integrity of its competitions.

While the federation said it respects CAS’s authority and will comply with the ruling, it added that the decision does not eliminate the concerns that informed its original assessment.

Ukraine has qualified for next year’s men’s world championships, scheduled for 14 to 30 May in Germany.

The IIHF also noted that the ruling did not account for the material impact on competition formats, schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements, or safety and security measures. “CAS does not consider the practical elements which cannot be implemented immediately,” the federation said, adding that changes to participation require extensive coordination with national associations, organizing committees, and host authorities.

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation welcomed the CAS decision and said it will work with the IIHF to facilitate the return of Russian teams to competition.

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