The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has banned Russia from participating in tournaments since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On Friday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the decision - prompting strong reactions in the hockey world.
Several countries, including Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic, have announced that they will forfeit any matches against Russia.
“All these threats of boycotts are actually aimed at global sport. The countries are depriving teams of the chance to play against each other and denying fans the chance to enjoy the sport. It is childish,” Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev said in an interview with the state news agency Tass.
Many challenges
The IIHF has held emergency meetings for two days. In a press release, it commented on the situation.
“The IIHF is aware of the recent statements made by key stakeholders and we are now carefully analyzing various scenarios following the CAS ruling,” the federation writes.
The IIHF says that reinstating Russian teams would pose significant practical and sporting challenges.
“The global effects of the CAS decision, and the challenges this creates for all parties involved, have been greatly underestimated.”
The international federation will continue dialogue with national federations, host-country authorities and other key players, the press release states.
“Difficult with Russia”
The men's World Cup will be held in Germany in May. The question is whether the tournament can go ahead with Russian participation.
“Right now I see many questions in the sky, if I may say so. In the current situation, I think it will be very difficult. The most important thing is that it is clear where we in Swedish hockey stand on the issue,” Larsson told TT yesterday.
Anders Larsson also sits on the IIHF board. TT contacted him on Wednesday morning, and he referred to the IIHF's official statement.
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