Canada condemns Court of Arbitration ruling allowing Russia back into international hockey

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on Friday that the International Ice Hockey Federation must allow Russia to compete in international tournaments, overturning a ban imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The decision raises concerns for the World Junior Men’s Championship scheduled to begin Dec. 26, 2026, in Edmonton and Red Deer, as well as other IIHF events slated for 2027.

Hockey Canada said it has briefed the federal government and is seeking clarification from the IIHF about how the ruling will affect the upcoming tournaments. The IIHF warned that the decision could disrupt five international competitions in 2027, requiring extensive coordination on schedules, travel, accommodation and security measures.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, speaking from the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, said Canada is "extremely disappointed" by the ruling and will maintain its own restrictions on Russian athletes at federally funded events. > "We strongly oppose this outcome. We will continue to maintain our own restrictions on the participation of Russian athletes at events hosted in Canada that receive federal funding."

Sport Minister Adam van Koeverden echoed the sentiment, stating that Canada has upheld its position since 2022 that Russia should not be represented in international sport while its invasion of Ukraine continues. > "Canada maintains, as it has since 2022, that Russia should not be represented in international sport competitions while Russia's illegal and unjustifiable full-scale invasion against Ukraine continues."

The Russian hockey federation indicated it plans to field a team at the junior championship in Alberta. Provincial authorities have already contributed $11 million toward hosting the 2027 tournament, though the federal government has not yet committed funds.

Other European hockey federations, including Finland, Sweden, Germany and Czechia, also expressed dismay at the CAS ruling. German federation board chair Frank H. Lutz warned that Russia’s participation could have significant security, political and economic implications for Germany as the 2027 men’s world championship host.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the situation but said the province will comply with the international decision, noting sport could offer a pathway to broader collaboration.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the ruling will be a factor in the league’s considerations for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, which Canada and Czechia will co-host in 2028.