Key facts
- Russia can return to International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) competitions after a legal victory.
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the IIHF's ban.
- The IIHF ban was imposed in February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Russia is now eligible for five world championship tournaments, including senior events next year.
- CAS found insufficient evidence to support the IIHF's safety and security concerns for the ban.
Russia has won a legal battle to return to International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) competitions, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturning a ban that was imposed in February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The CAS panel found that the IIHF's arguments citing safety and security concerns were not supported by sufficient evidence. The ruling opens the way for Russian teams to compete in five world championship tournaments, including senior events next year. The IIHF expressed disappointment and disagreement with the decision, citing practical implications for schedules and safety measures.