CAS overturns Russia hockey ban
The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the IIHF's ban on Russia, allowing Russian teams to compete in the 2026-27 season. Canada now says it will not issue visas to Russian players for the 2027 World Junior Championships, and Russia is seeking relocation or cancellation.
IllustrationThe story so far
On 30 October 2026, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the IIHF's ban on Russia after an in-person hearing in Lausanne. CAS said the IIHF's safety and security arguments were not supported by sufficient evidence. The decision allows Russian teams to compete in the 2026-27 season, including the men's and women's World Championships. The IIHF expressed disappointment, while the Russian Ice Hockey Federation said it welcomed the decision.
On 4 November 2026, Canada said it would not allow ice hockey players from Russia or Belarus to take part in the World Junior Championships. On 12 November, Canadian authorities told the IIHF and the Canadian Ice Hockey Federation that they would not issue visas to Russian players, including those with a valid visa. On 13 November, the Russian Hockey Federation asked the IIHF ethics council to investigate boycotts and sought relocation or cancellation of the 10-nation tournament in Edmonton and Red Deer.
Latest updates
4 updates · newest first- 13 NovNew development
Russia seeks relocation or cancellation of world junior hockey tournament
The Russian Hockey Federation wants next month's world junior hockey championships in Canada relocated or canceled after Canada barred Russia. Vladislav Tretiak asked the IIHF ethics council to investigate boycotts and threatened to seek compensation from Canada and possibly Germany. Canada confirmed Russian players would not compete at the 10-nation tournament opening in Alberta on Dec. 26.
Yahoo Sports ↗
- 12 NovNew development
Canada will not issue visas to Russians for junior hockey worlds
Canadian authorities have told the IIHF and the Canadian Ice Hockey Federation that they will not issue visas to Russian players for the men's 2027 world junior ice hockey championships. The decision also applies to players who already have a valid visa, according to Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden. The top division runs from December 26 to January 5, 2027 in Edmonton and Red Deer.
- 4 NovNew development
Canada bars Russia and Belarus from World Junior Championships
Canada will not allow ice hockey players from Russia or Belarus to take part in the World Junior Championships next month, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned Russia's suspension from International Ice Hockey Federation events. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the Russians will not be there. The tournament is scheduled to run from 26 December to 5 January.
- 30 OctNew development
Court of Arbitration for Sport overturns Russia's ice hockey ban
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has overturned the IIHF's ban on Russia, allowing Russian teams to compete in the 2026-27 season, including the men's and women's World Championships. CAS said the IIHF's safety and security arguments were not supported by sufficient evidence after an in-person hearing in Lausanne. The IIHF expressed disappointment, while the Russian Ice Hockey Federation said it welcomes the decision.
BBC Sport ↗