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CAS orders IIHF to reinstate Russian teams for 2026-27

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation to allow Russian teams in its 2026-27 tournaments.
CAS said the IIHF’s security evidence was insufficient to justify Russia’s exclusion.
The IIHF pledged to follow the ruling while reiterating safety and integrity concerns.
German federation chairman Frank Lutz warned Russia’s return creates significant security, political and economic risks for Germany.

History

The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee in December 2017 after the state-run doping program exposed by WADA’s 2015 report and the McLaren investigation. Consequently, 168 Russian athletes competed under the neutral “Olympic Athletes from Russia” banner at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, a decision repeatedly reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee in December 2017 after the state-run doping program exposed by WADA’s 2015 report and the McLaren investigation. Consequently, 168 Russian athletes competed under the neutral “Olympic Athletes from Russia” banner at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, a decision repeatedly reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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