Canada and seven European countries seek to block Russia from 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship
Canada and seven European countries moved to prevent Russian teams from participating in the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship, citing the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that requires the IIHF to admit them. Ukraine’s sports minister called on partners to exclude Russia but said the Ukrainian team would participate and would not take the ice against Russian players.
Key points
- Canada will not admit Russia to the 2027 junior Ice Hockey World Championship, which it will host.
- Czechia, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, France, Norway and Latvia will refuse to play Russia at the 2027 world championship.
- Austria opposes Russia’s return to international hockey competitions.
- The CAS ordered the IIHF on October 30 to admit Russian teams to several competitions in 2026–2027.
- The IIHF said it disagreed with the ruling but must implement it.
- Ukraine will return to the elite division for the first time in 20 years.
- Ukraine’s group includes Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Latvia, Austria and Slovenia.
Why it matters
The positions announced by national federations and governments could determine whether Russian teams participate in the 2027 championship. The dispute also illustrates an ongoing conflict between sports-governing decisions, court rulings and national policies. Ukraine’s participation could be affected if Russia returns but refuses to play, or if a team withdraws because of the schedule.
What happened
Canada said it would exclude Russia from the junior world championship it is hosting. Seven European countries — Czechia, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, France, Norway and Latvia — announced that they would refuse to play Russia at the 2027 championship. Austria also opposed Russia’s return and began consultations with European governments and relevant Austrian authorities.
Ukraine’s Sports Minister Matviy Bidny called on other countries and tournament hosts to exclude Russia, including through visa and security mechanisms. He nevertheless said Ukraine would participate in the championship and would not play against Russian players. Ukraine’s national hockey federation also submitted a memorandum to the IIHF documenting alleged Russian involvement of Ukrainian athletes, clubs and infrastructure from temporarily occupied territories in Russian competitions.
On October 30, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the Russian Hockey Federation’s appeal and instructed the IIHF to admit Russian teams to several international competitions in 2026–2027, including the world championship. The IIHF said it disagreed with the ruling but was taking steps to implement it. The federation is discussing possible return conditions with national federations, including security guarantees, financial stability and the continued development of international hockey.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage focuses on Bidny’s call for partners to block Russia’s participation and stresses that Ukraine will return to the elite division after 20 years. The position presented in Ukraine is that the team will compete in Germany, but Ukrainian players will not take the ice against Russian representatives. Ukrainian officials also argue that the CAS ruling does not override the right of individual states to determine entry conditions for their territory.
How international sources describe it
International coverage centers on Canada’s exclusion decision and the refusal by seven European countries to play Russian teams. It also highlights Austria’s opposition to Russia’s return and consultations with European governments and federations. The institutional focus is on the IIHF’s disagreement with the CAS ruling, its obligation to implement it and its discussions with national federations about conditions for Russia’s possible return.
Where reporting differs
The IIHF says it disagrees with the CAS decision requiring Russian teams’ admission but acknowledges that it must implement the ruling. At the same time, Canada, several European countries and Ukraine’s sports minister are advocating measures to exclude Russia or prevent teams from playing it.
Background
Germany is scheduled to host the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship from May 14 to 30. The event comes after the October 30 CAS ruling in favor of the Russian Hockey Federation. Separately, the IIHF excluded Belarusian teams from the 2027 U20 junior and senior men’s world championships, while its disciplinary council found no legal grounds for their immediate return. Ukraine is due to return to the championship’s elite division for the first time in 20 years.