CAS orders international ice hockey body to reinstate Russia
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled that the International Ice Hockey Federation must reinstate Russian teams to international competitions.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), requiring the governing body to reinstate Russia in international competition. The ruling accepted an appeal by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, determining that the IIHF failed to provide sufficient justification for excluding Russian national teams.
Under the decision, Russian teams will be eligible to compete in upcoming world championship tournaments, beginning with the Under-20 World Championship in Canada on December 26. The reinstatement also covers future events, including the 2027 Men's World Championship in Germany and next autumn's Women's World Championship in Canada.
The decision marks a key developments in Russia's gradual return to international sports tournaments following previous exclusions.
Sources: Helsingin Sanomat, Iltalehti.
How outlets assessed this
- Nov 3, 2026, 04:00 AM UTC
- Helsingin Sanomat Neutral Focused on the legal mechanics, noting the IIHF failed to provide adequate justification for excluding Russia.
- Iltalehti Critical Emphasized backlash against the ruling and framed it as part of Russia's concerning return to international sports.