CAS orders IIHF to readmit Russian teams for 2026-27

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation to allow Russian teams back into its competitions covered by the ruling for the 2026-27 season, overturning their exclusion since 2022. The decision includes the 2027 world championships and junior events, but does not settle how tournaments will accommodate Russia or whether it will compete under its national symbols. CAS said the IIHF had not provided sufficient evidence to support its security concerns. The ruling addressed the legality of the exclusions, not the operational consequences of reinstatement or whether Russian teams should play as neutral athletes. It also did not establish how tournament organizers should change formats or schedules. The first affected event identified by the IIHF is the men’s world junior championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, which begins December 26, 2026. Russia’s participation there has not been confirmed. The Russian hockey federation said it would work with the IIHF to implement the ruling and facilitate the return of Russian teams. The IIHF said it was disappointed by the decision but would comply. It maintained that its exclusions were...