Russia's international hockey ban lifted, prompting backlash from IIHF, other countries: 'Incomprehensible'
The Court of Arbitration for Sport cited insufficient evidence for the IIHF's security concerns, clearing Russia for the world championships.
TL;DR
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has lifted the ban on Russian ice hockey teams competing in international competitions.
- The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) had excluded Russia since 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine.
- CAS cited a lack of sufficient evidence to support the IIHF's security concerns.
- The decision has been met with strong criticism from the IIHF, Canada, Ukraine, Germany, Finland, Czechia, Sweden, and Austria.
- Russia's sports minister hailed the ruling as an end to discrimination.