Russia Regains Ice Hockey Rights, Ukraine Expresses Outrage
Court of Arbitration for Sport overturns Russia's international ice hockey ban.
By Spark News Desk · · United Kingdom, Europe
Ukraine's ice hockey federation has expressed 'deep outrage' after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) overturned a ban on Russia from international ice hockey events. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) had suspended Russia in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) appealed the ban, and Cas ruled in its favor, stating the IIHF's concerns about safety and security were not supported by sufficient evidence. Ukraine emphasized that the threats justifying the ban had not disappeared.
Russia is now eligible to compete in the 2026-27 IIHF season, including the men's and women's world championships. Ukraine's men's team has qualified for the top flight world championships for the first time in 20 years.
Why it matters
Ukraine's athletes face renewed competition from Russia, which they view as a political and symbolic challenge. The decision could affect team dynamics and morale as both nations prepare for upcoming tournaments.
Sources
- Ukraine's 'deep outrage' after Russia's international ice hockey ban ended — BBC Sport
- Delhi HC asks WFI to decide in two weeks show-cause notices to Vinesh Phogat — The Hindu
Written by the Spark News Desk with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Tell us.