Russia’s World Cup return becomes complicated – Russian media puts Finland in the spotlight
The return of Russia to international ice hockey tournaments may not happen yet this season, even though the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has lifted the country’s participation ban.
The experienced ice hockey journalist from the Russian Sport-Ekspress, Mihail Zislis, discusses in a recent article the problems that Russia’s return could cause for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
The CAS decision on Friday pertains to the ongoing 2026–27 season. However, participants and match schedules for international tournaments have already been planned without Russia.
The situation is particularly difficult for the 2027 Men’s World Championship, which will be held in Germany. The host country has opposed Russia’s return and warned of potential consequences related to security, politics, and the economy.
Zislis reminds that Finland, Sweden, and several other top European countries have strongly criticized the reinstatement of Russia in international tournaments.
Zislis’s article addresses the possibility that practical obstacles related to participation, such as visa issues, could complicate Russia’s return despite the CAS decision.
Furthermore, Russia’s reinstatement in the participant pool for the World Championships raises the question of Ukraine’s hosting. Ukraine has secured its place in the A group of the 2027 World Championships.
The IIHF has already expressed its disappointment with the CAS decision.
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