The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced that it maintains its disagreement with a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision to reinstate Russian teams, warning of significant practical and sporting challenges. The statement on Wednesday follows announcements from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and the Czech Republic that their national teams will refuse to play against Russia at next year’s men’s World Championships in Germany.
Reinstatement Challenge and International Backlash
The CAS ruled last week to overturn the governing body’s exclusion of Russia from international competition following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The IIHF stated that the immediate reintegration of Russian teams presents significant practical and sporting challenges, including visa and entry requirements, security provisions, logistical constraints, and consequences for competition formats.
The decision prompted widespread backlash across the sport. Latvia and Finland have also said their teams will not play Russia, while the Finnish city of Turku threatened to drop hosting duties for the 2028 World Junior Championship.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Russia and Belarus will be barred from the upcoming World Junior Championship in Alberta. Moscow criticised the move, with Russian ambassador Oleg Stepanov telling state-run news agency TASS that Canada was bringing politics even into junior hockey.
The IIHF said it remains in dialogue with national associations, host authorities, and organisers to determine the best path forward.
Sponsorship Concerns
Czech carmaker Skoda Auto, the main sponsor of the ice hockey world championships, stated on Wednesday it would reassess its sponsorship if Russia takes part in the annual tournament. Skoda told the AFP news agency in a statement that if the Russian national team takes part in the tournament, the company will reassess its involvement and take further action. The carmaker added that Russia’s return to the tournament was incompatible with the values the company has consistently upheld.
Skoda Auto, a unit of Germany’s Volkswagen, has been the tournament’s official main sponsor since 1993 and also sponsors the Tour de France. Company spokeswoman Ivana Povolna refused to specify the amount Skoda spends on the ice hockey world championships annually.
According to Skoda’s annual report for 2025, the company lent 45 electric cars to the organisers, while its designers made the crystal trophy for the most valuable player of the tournament.
