Denmark, Norway and Sweden say they would refuse to play against Russia in the ice hockey world championships next year because of its war in Ukraine, a day after neighbouring Finland said it would also refuse. The Nordic countries have been strong supporters of Ukraine since the start of the war. Russia has been banned from International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) competitions since President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on October 30 that Russia must be admitted to the world championships following an appeal from the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. The 2027 world championships are due to be held in Germany in May, but the draw and scheduling for the tournament have already taken place, without Russia included. The IIHF has voiced its opposition to the CAS decision and said it creates “significant practical implications”.
The head of the Danish ice hockey federation, Henrik Bach Nielsen, echoed that stance in comments to news agency Ritzau. The Finnish city of Turku also said on Monday it would withdraw from hosting the junior ice hockey world championships in 2027-2028 if Russia were allowed to participate.
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