Nordic teams refuse to play Russia at 2027 championship

Norway, Denmark and Sweden say their national teams will not play Russia at the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship, while Finland is seeking support from other countries to keep Russia out of the tournament. The positions follow a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s exclusion of Russian national teams. Norway’s Ice Hockey Association said Norway would not face Russia at the championship in Germany in May 2027, citing the current situation and information available to it. It said the team’s other group matches would proceed as scheduled. The Danish and Swedish hockey bodies have also said their teams would not play Russia. The statements came after the court ruled on October 30 that Russian national teams could return to international competition under the IIHF. The ruling overturned the governing body’s exclusion of Russian teams following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It clears the way for their return but does not establish that Russia will take part in the 2027 championship. The IIHF has not determined how it will implement the ruling. The federation has said the decision carries significant practical...