Finland has warned that its national teams will refuse to play against Russia at international tournaments for as long as the war in Ukraine continues. The announcement comes after a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) opened the way for Russian teams to return to competitions governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
Finnish Ice Hockey Association president Heikki Hietanen said Finland was seeking support from other countries for a joint position opposing matches against Russia under the current circumstances. Finland is the reigning world champion, and Russian teams could be eligible for the men’s World Championship in Germany in May 2027.
The Finnish city of Turku is also considering whether to host the 2027 Under-20 World Championship if Russia takes part. Mayor Piia Elo said the city could not accept the Russian national team playing there while Russia continued its war in Ukraine. Turku would be willing to host the tournament if Russia did not participate.
CAS recently upheld an appeal by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation against the IIHF’s decision to exclude Russian teams during the 2026/27 season. The ruling overturned that exclusion with immediate effect. Russia had been barred from international tournaments and world championships since February 2022.
Germany’s Ice Hockey Federation is assessing whether it can still host the men’s World Championship as planned. Its chairman, Frank Lutz, said the federation was considering the possibility of returning the hosting rights, while stressing that he did not want to prejudge the tournament’s future. A German government spokesperson said the ruling was viewed very critically and that the government would discuss its possible effects, including on the 2027 championship, with the federation.
Sources: Der Spiegel.