Ice hockey federation says Russia's return poses major challenges
Several leading nations say they will not play against Russian teams after a court ordered Russia reinstated.
Key facts
Story- The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled last week to overturn the exclusion of Russia from ice hockey.
- The governing body says the impact of the ruling is much bigger than it first thought.
- Several leading nations and some sponsors say they oppose Russia's return and will not play Russian teams.
The International Ice Hockey Federation has reaffirmed its opposition to bringing Russia back into the sport. The ruling came from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which last week overturned the federation's decision to keep Russia excluded over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The federation has described the impact of the decision as "significant practical and sporting challenges". Several leading hockey nations have said they will refuse to play against Russian teams. Some sponsors have also voiced opposition to Russia's return.
The court's decision forced the federation to reinstate Russia, a step the governing body has resisted. Its latest statement suggests it still sees the matter as unresolved. The federation has not said what steps it will take next.
The decision has reopened a debate over whether sporting bodies should allow Russian athletes and teams to compete while the war in Ukraine continues. Russia was excluded from many international sports after the invasion began in 2022.
It is not yet known when Russian teams could next face opponents in competition, or which nations would refuse to play them. Nor is it clear how the federation plans to handle refusals from national teams, or whether the sponsors' objections will lead to contract changes.
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