Hockey Nations Refuse to Play Russia Amidst German Host Uncertainty

In a significant development for the 2027 ice hockey World Championships, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have announced they will not play against Russia in the upcoming tournament ¹. This decision comes after Finland also made the same choice, marking a notable shift in the international hockey landscape ¹.

The refusal of these Nordic countries to face Russia is rooted in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Norway explicitly citing the war as the basis for its decision ¹. This move is particularly noteworthy given that Russia was previously banned from International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) competitions following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 ¹. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently ruled on October 30 that Russia must be admitted to the 2027 world championships ¹, setting the stage for the current tensions.

Sweden’s governing body for ice hockey has stated that it finds it ‘inconceivable’ for Russia to participate in international ice hockey while the war in Ukraine continues ¹. This sentiment is shared by other nations such as the Czech Republic, Latvia, Denmark, and Finland, all of which have indicated their unwillingness to play against Russia in the 2027 championship ².

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Germany is now considering withdrawing as the host of the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship ². Frank H Lutz, chairman of the German ice hockey federation, explained that allowing Russia to participate would have significant security, political, and economic consequences for Germany ². The 2027 World Championships are scheduled to take place in May, adding urgency to the discussions surrounding Russia’s participation ¹.

The IIHF has expressed opposition to the CAS decision, noting that it creates 'significant practical implications' for the organization ¹. Meanwhile, the Danish ice hockey federation believes that playing against Russia would cause chaos, further complicating the situation ¹. Finland’s ice hockey federation is working to rally other countries to prevent Russia’s participation in the World Championships ¹.

Turku, Finland, has even gone so far as to plan to withdraw from hosting the junior ice hockey world championships in 2027-2028 if Russia participates ¹. Additionally, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen intends to restrict Russian athletes' access to the Schengen area, while the Czech Republic can still enforce its decree banning short-term visas for Russian citizens ².

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared that Russia will not be allowed to compete in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, and two tournament sponsors, AJ Products and Nokian Tyres, have expressed intentions to withdraw or protest if Russia participates ². The European Commission has emphasized that sports federations must adhere to EU sanctions and restrictive measures, highlighting the interconnected nature of sports and politics ².

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has criticized the CAS ruling, stating that it contradicts the ongoing war in Ukraine, and over 200 Ukrainian sports facilities have been destroyed by Russian strikes since 2022 ².

What we know

• Denmark, Norway, and Sweden will not play against Russia in the 2027 ice hockey World Championships ¹
• Finland also refused to play against Russia in the 2027 World Championships ¹
• Norway's decision is based on Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine ¹
• Russia was banned from IIHF competitions following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 ¹
• CAS ruled on October 30 that Russia must be admitted to the 2027 world championships ¹
• Sweden's governing body for ice hockey states it is inconceivable for Russia to participate in international ice hockey while the war in Ukraine continues ¹
• Finland, Norway, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Denmark, and Sweden will not play Russia in the 2027 championship ²
• Germany is considering withdrawing as the host of the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship ²
• Frank H Lutz, chairman of the German ice hockey federation, stated that allowing Russia to participate would have significant security, political, and economic consequences for Germany ²
• The 2027 World Championships are scheduled to be held in Germany in May ¹
• The IIHF opposes the CAS decision and says it creates 'significant practical implications' ¹
• The Danish ice hockey federation believes playing against Russia would cause chaos ¹
• Finland's ice hockey federation aims to rally other countries to prevent Russia's participation in the World Championships ¹
• Turku, Finland, plans to withdraw from hosting the junior ice hockey world championships in 2027-2028 if Russia participates ¹
• Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen intends to restrict Russian athletes' access to the Schengen area ²
• Czech Interior Minister Lubomir Metnar mentioned that the Czech Republic can still enforce its decree banning short-term visas for Russian citizens ²
• Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that Russia would not be allowed to compete in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship ²
• Two tournament sponsors, AJ Products and Nokian Tyres, expressed intentions to withdraw or protest if Russia participates ²
• The European Commission emphasized that sports federations must adhere to EU sanctions and restrictive measures ²
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the CAS ruling, stating it contradicts the ongoing war in Ukraine ²
• Over 200 Ukrainian sports facilities have been destroyed by Russian strikes since 2022 ²