Leading ice hockey nations, sponsors oppose Russia's return

Ice hockey's governing body says the impact of a court decision forcing it to reinstate Russia presents "significant practical and sporting challenges." Several leading nations say they won't play against Russian teams.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) said in a statement on Wednesday that the impact of last week's Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision requiring it to reinstate Russia to international play had been "significantly underestimated." It added that it "maintains" its disagreement with the decision and that it remained "in dialogue with Member National Associations, organizing committees, host authorities and other key stakeholders to determine the best way forward." Shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 , the IIHF barred its teams from competing in international ice hockey tournaments , citing security concerns.