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CAS allows Russia to return to IIHF competitions, IIHF expresses disappointment

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 31, 2026, 2:50 AM

Last updated Oct 31, 2026

CAS allows Russia to return to IIHF competitions, IIHF expresses disappointment

Summary

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled that Russia can compete in five International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) tournaments starting next year. This marks Russia's first return to international hockey since being suspended in 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine. CAS determined that IIHF's claims regarding safety and security were insufficient to justify continuing the ban. The IIHF expressed disappointment in the ruling and noted the challenges of implementing this decision for events already in preparation., the World Junior Championship and the U18 Women’s World Championship are set to begin in December and January, respectively.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•CAS ruled Russia can participate in five IIHF tournaments next year.
•IIHF maintains safety concerns led to previous suspensions.
•World Junior Championship and U18 Women's Championship start in December and January.
•Hockey Canada and other national federations express disappointment over the CAS ruling.
•Future implications on tournament participation remain uncertain.

Latest Updates

2:50 AMYahoo Sports — CAS rules that Russia can return to international hockey competitions, IIHF expresses 'disappointment' in ruling

What they're saying

"
In a statement on Friday, CAS ordered the IIHF to allow Russia to participate in 5 international tournaments next year, saying that the federation's safety and security concerns were 'not supported by sufficient evidence.'
— Yahoo Sportsby Kari Anderson

Related Teams & Leagues

IIHF Hockey