Russia's international hockey ban lifted, prompting backlash from IIHF, other countries: 'Incomprehensible'

On October 30, 2026, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Russian teams may compete in next year’s men’s and women’s world hockey championships, overturning the IIHF’s ban. The IIHF, Canada, Ukraine and several European countries opposed the decision; Germany is set to host the men’s championship.