A coalition of national hockey federations refusing to play teams from Russia formed Tuesday as groups from several European nations joined the cause.
On Monday, the Finnish Ice Hockey Association asked other nations to stand up against a decision allowing Russia to return to international hockey tournaments while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. Federations representing Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Latvia and the Czech Republic announced Tuesday they sided with Finland.
Last week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that teams representing Russia could again compete in International Ice Hockey Federation events.
An IIHF ban on Russian teams took effect after Russia began its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022 and has been extended annually.
After several appeals by Russia’s hockey federation, the CAS finally lifted the ban on Friday, contending safety and security worries “were not supported by sufficient evidence.”
The Norwegians were the first to announce on Tuesday their intention to play games in upcoming tournaments against all teams but those involving Russia.
“Our position that Russia should be excluded from all international championships as long as the war in Ukraine continues … remains unchanged,” Norway’s federation posted to social media.
“At this time, this decision is based on our responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of our players, team staff and their families. We believe playing against Russia under the current circumstances could expose our players and team staff to significant security risks.”
Similar statements followed from the other three nations.
The CAS ruling has left cities worldwide to decide whether they will host upcoming tournaments, as planned, should Russians compete as the war continues in Ukraine.
The Canadian government and Hockey Canada will be the first to decide whether it will host the Russians. The world junior tournament is scheduled to begin Dec. 26 in Alberta.
On Friday, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, told CBC that she was “not comfortable” with hosting a Russian team.
The Athletic also reported Tuesday that at least one major sponsor, AJ Products, is pulling out of IIHF events. The Swedish furniture company has been an IIHF backer for 37 years.
The IIHF Council, its executive body, is holding a two-day meeting to determine how it can follow the CAS ruling amid opposition from its members.
–Field Level Media
