Ice hockey forced to reinstate Russia despite widespread opposition
Summarised from 3 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 14:35 · Archive
A court ruling has forced ice hockey's governing body to reinstate Russian teams, but countries and sponsors are threatening to boycott or withdraw support.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on Friday that the International Ice Hockey Federation must allow Russian national teams to compete in ice hockey world championships. The court said the IIHF's safety and security concerns were 'not supported by sufficient evidence'. Russia has been barred from international ice hockey since shortly after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The ruling applies immediately to upcoming tournaments. The World Junior Championship begins on 26 December in Canada, and the men's World Championship is scheduled for May in Germany. The IIHF said in a statement on Wednesday that the impact of the CAS decision had been 'significantly underestimated' and that it 'maintains' its disagreement with the ruling.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ruled out allowing Russian competitors in the World Juniors. 'While Russia and Belarus are supporting this illegal, unjustified war in Ukraine, as long as that's going on, there will be none of those athletes competing for their countries in Canada,' he said. Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told public broadcaster CBC that she is 'not comfortable' with allowing a Russian team to participate.
Ukraine's ice hockey federation responded pointedly to the court's dismissal of security concerns. 'The threats that were the reason for suspending Russian teams in 2022 have not disappeared. On the contrary, they have only intensified,' it said. Ukraine qualified for the men's world championship for the first time in 20 years.
Major sponsors are also threatening to withdraw. Skoda, which has sponsored the men's championship for more than 30 years, said it will 'reassess' its involvement if Russia plays. Workwear brand Strauss said it will forgo all logo exposure and is considering withdrawing as a sponsor altogether. The IIHF said it remains in dialogue with national associations, organizing committees and host authorities to determine the way forward.
How it is being reported
- Ice Hockey World Championships sponsor threatens to pull out over RussiaWorkwear brand Strauss has warned it will relinquish sponsor rights for next year’s Ice Hockey World Championships if Russia is allowed to participate. The Germany company says it will scrap all branding at the competition and would consider withdrawing its support altogether if the International Ice Hockey Federation lifts a ban on Russia in place [...]City AM · 4 Nov, 14:22
- Ice hockey world championship sponsors increase pressure on IIHF over Russia's returnThe pressure on the International Ice Hockey Federation has grown after two major sponsors of the men’s world championship said they would review their involvement if Russia takes partIndependent World · 4 Nov, 14:07
- Opposition growing to CAS-ordered Russia ice hockey reinstatementIce hockey's world governing body says the impact of a court decision forcing it to reinstate Russia has been "significantly underestimated." Several leading nations say they won't play against Russian teams.DW News · 4 Nov, 13:27
- Leading ice hockey nations, sponsors oppose Russia's returnIce hockey's governing body says the impact of a court decision forcing it to reinstate Russia presents "significant practical and sporting challenges." Several leading nations say they won't play against Russian teams.DW News · 4 Nov, 13:27
- Russia’s return to ice hockey prompts boycott threats and World Championship rebellionA landmark Court of Arbitration for Sport decision has paved the way for Russia’s return to elite ice hockey, but the sport now faces a rebellion amid outrage from numerous countriesIndependent Sport · 3 Nov, 12:03
- Ice hockey officials considering options after CAS order to reinstate RussiaIce hockey's ruling body is deciding how to respond to a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that allows Russia back into international competition. Germany hasn't ruled out pulling out as a tournament host.DW News · 2 Nov, 15:34
In this story: International Ice Hockey Federation · Court of Arbitration for Sport · Russia · Ukraine · Canada · Germany · Skoda · Strauss
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