Sybiha Slams CAS Ruling Allowing Russian Hockey Teams to Return
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has criticized the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after the tribunal overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) ban and reinstated Russian national teams to world championships for the 2026-2027 season. Sybiha stated that CAS decision “stains the ice with Ukrainian blood” and insisted there can be no business as usual while Moscow…
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha vehemently criticized the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling on November 1, 2026, that allowed Russian ice hockey teams to resume international competitions. Accusing the tribunal of ignoring Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine, Sybiha demanded allied nations deny entry visas to Russian athletes, stating, "There can be no business as usual while Russia wages war on Ukraine."
The CAS decision to permit Russian teams to return to IIHF World Championships, including the 2027 event in Germany, is seen by Sybiha as "staining the ice with Ukrainian blood." This move comes amid Russia's continuous missile, bomb, and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. The IIHF expressed disappointment with the ruling, emphasizing it was designed to ensure athlete safety and maintain tournament integrity.
The dilemma now arises as Ukraine's national team also qualifies for the upcoming tournaments, complicating security and boycott issues.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
