CAS upholds Russia's reinstatement to international hockey, citing insufficient evidence from IIHF

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) affirmed its decision to lift the ban on Russian participation in international ice-hockey competitions, stating that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) had not presented sufficient evidence to justify the continued exclusion.

CAS said the ruling was based solely on the legal arguments and documentation submitted, and noted that the IIHF’s case did not adequately address concerns about security, logistics, or competitive balance.

"So if you’re asking specifically about the World Juniors, the Russians will not be there," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said while attending the Commonwealth Summit in Antigua.

Canada’s government confirmed it will use immigration authority to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from entering the country under their national symbols for the tournament in Edmonton and Red Deer.

The IIHF, which has opposed an immediate reinstatement, indicated that the impact of the CAS ruling had been "significantly underestimated" and said it was still determining its response.

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov told the Tass news agency that Russia expects to be awarded wins if other nations forfeit games and that Moscow will inform the International Olympic Committee about possible boycotts and the conduct of host nations.

Several European hockey federations, including Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Norway, Denmark, Latvia and Austria, have announced they will not face Russian teams in international events. The decision also prompted a reaction from sponsors, with Czech automaker Škoda saying it will reassess its main sponsorship of the men’s world championship if Russia participates.

The World Junior Championship is scheduled to begin on Dec. 26 and will feature Canada, defending champion Sweden, Czechia, Switzerland, the United States, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, Norway and Finland.