CAS Ruling Allows Russia to Enter Five 2027 Hockey Championships

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled that Russian teams may enter five 2027 world hockey championships, according to the International Ice Hockey Federation. The IIHF says implementation remains under review, leaving the practical arrangements for participation unresolved.

The affected competitions are the men’s World Championship, World Junior Championship, women’s World Championship, and men’s and women’s under-18 championships. The women’s senior tournament is scheduled for November 2027, the federation specified in its October 30 statement.

The IIHF said it would comply with the ruling while maintaining its objections over safety and competition integrity. Revising prepared tournaments would require discussions with national associations, organizers and host authorities about formats, scheduling, accommodation, travel and security.

The decision follows several stages of review within the federation. In January, the IIHF Council decided against reintegrating Russian national and club teams for the 2026–27 season, citing safety and security. Russia appealed that decision to the federation’s Disciplinary Board.

On May 25, that board annulled the January decision and returned the matter to the Council for another assessment. The IIHF’s May 29 explanation stressed that the reversal did not automatically restore Russia’s participation. Further consideration was required, including operational and sporting plans.

The Council examined the championships individually. Its July 30 announcement excluded Russia from the 2027 men’s senior, junior and two under-18 tournaments. It left the women’s senior championship for a separate review in November 2026, rather than resolving every event together. Its assessment considered safety, security, operational feasibility and sporting integrity separately for every championship covered by Russia’s participation request at that time.

The October ruling therefore changes a process that had continued through separate internal decisions and event reviews. The IIHF has not announced revised tournament fields or schedules in its latest statement. It says details about implementing the decision will follow.