The decision, made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), covers the men's World Cup and World Championships in 2027, the women's World Cup in November of the same year, and the U18 World Cups for both girls and boys in 2027. Protests have come from several quarters, including the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
Even though the decision was made far from the front lines in Ukraine, it could have serious consequences for the country in the long term, says Jakob Hedenskog, an analyst at the Centre for Eastern European Studies at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs.
Russia gets away
If Russia qualifies in this context, the war appears as something that does not affect the international treatment of Russia. Then the war will not be a big deal, which in the long term will reduce support for Ukraine.
Russia being welcomed into the fold is not unique to sports; it also happens in political, diplomatic and cultural contexts, Hedenskog points out. He cites US President Donald Trump's support for Russia's Vladimir Putin as an example.
Despite the war continuing unabated, Russia is getting away with it. There will be no accountability. Russia is going unpunished and taking advantage of the fact that it can do as it pleases.
No independent top athletes
Sport is a way for Russia to exercise soft power, and the country's elite athletes are used as propaganda weapons, according to Hedenskog. He cites NHL star Aleksandr Ovechkin, who has shown his support for Putin on several occasions.
There are no independent top athletes in Russia. Everyone is somehow tied to the state.
Keeping Russia in the cold has not made the country change its behaviour, Hedenskog believes. On the other hand, it has weakened the country's economy and, in all likelihood, helped Ukraine hold back Russia.
If the Russian economy is allowed to flourish without any sanctions whatsoever, it will of course further increase Russia's military capabilities, says Jakob Hedenskog.
And Ukraine will be affected to a corresponding extent.
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