The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) expresses its disappointment with the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to allow the Russian Ice Hockey Federation in entering a Russian Team in all IIHF Championships with immediate effect.
The IIHF disagrees with this aspect of the ruling and maintains that its decisions were necessary to protect the safety and security of all participants and safeguard the integrity of its competitions.
While the IIHF respects the authority of CAS and will act in accordance with its ruling, the outcome does not remove the concerns that informed its assessments.
The ruling also has significant practical implications for competitions already at an advanced stage of preparation. Changes to participation require extensive coordination with the relevant Member National Associations, organizing committees and host authorities, including a review of competition formats, schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements, and safety and security measures. These decisions made by CAS do not consider the practical elements which cannot be implemented immediately.
The ruling concerns Russian participation in the following championships:
The IIHF will urgently assess the steps and time required to give effect to the ruling and address its operational consequences. The safety of all participants and the integrity of each championship will remain central to this work.
Further information on implementation and the practical arrangements for the competitions affected will be communicated in due course.
The IIHF disagrees with this aspect of the ruling and maintains that its decisions were necessary to protect the safety and security of all participants and safeguard the integrity of its competitions.
While the IIHF respects the authority of CAS and will act in accordance with its ruling, the outcome does not remove the concerns that informed its assessments.
The ruling also has significant practical implications for competitions already at an advanced stage of preparation. Changes to participation require extensive coordination with the relevant Member National Associations, organizing committees and host authorities, including a review of competition formats, schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements, and safety and security measures. These decisions made by CAS do not consider the practical elements which cannot be implemented immediately.
The ruling concerns Russian participation in the following championships:
- IIHF Men’s World Championship 2027
- IIHF World Junior Championship 2027
- IIHF Women’s World Championship 2027 (November 2027)
- IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship 2027
- IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship 2027
The IIHF will urgently assess the steps and time required to give effect to the ruling and address its operational consequences. The safety of all participants and the integrity of each championship will remain central to this work.
Further information on implementation and the practical arrangements for the competitions affected will be communicated in due course.