Sports Court Orders Russia’s Return to Hockey Worlds
8 sourcesUpdated Oct 30, 20261 min read
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s ban on Russian teams for the 2026–27 season, ordering their return to five international tournaments, including the 2027 men’s and women’s world championships. CAS said the IIHF lacked sufficient evidence for its security concerns; Russia’s sports minister welcomed the ruling. The IIHF said it would comply but remains concerned about participant safety and competition integrity, and warned that Russia’s reinstatement will require changes to tournament formats, schedules, travel plans and security arrangements. Some national associations, including Germany’s, also oppose Russia’s return.
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No center coverage yet — a bubble gap.
Tournament schedules will need major changes now and that could affect smaller nations more than anyone expects.
Safety issues are no small thing and the IIHF should keep a close watch on every game involving Russian teams.
The court did the right thing by putting sport ahead of politics and letting Russia compete again.
