Norway, Denmark, and Sweden refuse to play against Russia following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to reinstate it in international hockey competitions

Norway, Denmark and Sweden have announced that they will not play against Russia at upcoming international hockey competitions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered the reinstatement of the Russian national team. The three countries join Finland, which had previously adopted the same position.

The Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation said it stands by its position that Russia must be excluded from all international competitions for as long as it continues its war in Ukraine. The Nordic countries are staunch supporters of Ukraine and oppose the return of Russian athletes to international competitions.

The CAS decision, issued last week, was not well received by the International Ice Hockey Federation. The Russian national team could return to next year’s World Championship, scheduled to take place in May in Germany.

Finland, the reigning world champion, announced that it would seek to prevent Russia’s reinstatement in the final tournament. At the same time, the Finnish city of Turku warned that it would withdraw as host of the 2027–2028 World Junior Championship if the Russian team participates. These positions could cast doubt on the format and organization of future international competitions.