Four Nations Refuse to Play Russia at Hockey Worlds

Why the Boycott Began
The row started last week, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) allowed Russia to return to events run by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). That overturned the governing body's earlier decision to shut out Russian teams after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Norway's federation was clear about where it stands. Based on the information it has today, the team will not play Russia in Germany in May 2027. The remaining group games will go ahead as planned, and the federation repeated its view that Russia should stay out of all international championships while the war goes on.

Safety was a major factor too. The federations raised possible security threats to players and coaching staff. Danish Icehockey Union chairman Henrik Bach Nielsen said the integrity of the sport was at stake, warning that playing Russia would end in utter chaos. Sweden took the same line. Anders Larsson, chairman of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, said the countries agreed to announce the move together and called Russian participation unthinkable while the war continues. Norway, Denmark and Sweden have all confirmed they will still play their other matches.

The Czech Ice Hockey Association joined in, saying it was backing the stance of other European federations. Meanwhile, the Czech government said on Monday it was keeping a ban on short-term visas for Russians in place. That could affect the under-18 women's championship the country is due to host in January.

Pressure From Hosts and Sponsors
The CAS ruling drew angry reactions from European federations, host cities and sponsors, along with threats to boycott events. These include next year's World Championship and the 2028 World Junior Championship in Finland.

Finland's position is just as firm. Heikki Hietanen, head of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association, said Finland will not play Russia, and that the federation will use every means available to keep Russia out. Officials in Turku added that the city would give up hosting the World Junior Championship if Russia is allowed to compete.

Money is talking as well. AJ Products, the Swedish furniture company that has sponsored the men's World Championship since 1989, said on Monday it would pull out of next year's event because of Russia's participation. Finnish firm Nokian Tyres said it would end its sponsorship of the 2027 tournament if Russia plays, arguing that staying on would go against its corporate values. The IIHF could not be reached for comment right away.