Court of Arbitration for Sport overturns IIHF suspension of Russia
The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne on 30 October 2026 overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation's suspension of Russia after an in-person appeal hearing at CAS's headquarters.
Russia had been suspended from IIHF events since the country's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Earlier in 2026 the IIHF's council reviewed participation and had said Russian teams would remain excluded; the Russian Ice Hockey Federation appealed that decision to CAS. Since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia have won the men's World Championship five times but have never claimed the women's title.
CAS said the arguments put forward by the IIHF "citing safety, security and other concerns" were "not supported by sufficient evidence." The ruling followed the RIHF's appeal and an in-person hearing at CAS's Lausanne headquarters.
The IIHF said it was "disappointed" with the ruling and issued a statement that included: "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." The federation added: "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 IIHF also warned that the ruling had not taken into account the material impact on its competitions, citing a need to review competition formats, schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements, and safety and security measures. "Cas does not consider the practical elements which cannot be implemented immediately," it added. "Changes to participation require extensive coordination with the relevant Member National Associations, organising committees and host authorities."
Individual Russian athletes had been allowed to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy under a neutral flag, although Russian teams were not permitted to take part in ice hockey at those Games.
Ukraine have qualified for next year's men's World Championship, which is scheduled to be held in Germany from 14 to 30 May.
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation said it "welcomes the decision" from Cas and that it will work with the IIHF to "facilitate the return of Russian teams to competitions".
Russia are now set to take part in IIHF events in the 2026-27 season, including the men's and women's World Championships, but it remains unclear what restrictions, if any, will apply to flags, clothing and the playing of the national anthem.