Sports court overturns ban on Russian ice hockey teams, orders reinstatement

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday overturned a ban on Russian ice hockey teams from international competitions, ruling that the sport's global governing body had failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the suspension.

The decision followed an appeal by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) against the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), which barred Russian teams following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.

In July, the IIHF extended the restrictions through the 2026-27 season, citing concerns about the safety of competition participants.

CAS said the federation's arguments involving "safety, security and other concerns" were "not supported by sufficient evidence."

The ruling requires the IIHF to reinstate Russian teams for the 2026-27 season, including the men's and women's World Championships.

However, it remains unclear whether restrictions will apply to national flags, uniforms, or the playing of Russia's national anthem.

Individual Russian athletes competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy under a neutral flag, while the country's ice hockey teams were excluded.

The RIHF welcomed the decision, saying it would work with the IIHF to "facilitate the return of Russian teams to competitions."

- IIHF expresses 'disappointment'

The IIHF maintained that its restrictions were necessary to protect 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 federation said.

It also warned that reinstatement would require adjustments to competition formats, schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements, as well as additional safety measures.

"These decisions made by CAS do not consider the practical elements which cannot be implemented immediately," the IIHF said.