Sweden, Czechs Join Growing Boycott of Hockey World Championship Games Against Russia
Six nations have joined the boycott, and sponsors are threatening to pull support after a CAS ruling ordered Russian teams reinstated.
- On Tuesday, six European hockey federations—Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Latvia, and the Czech Republic—announced they will refuse to play Russia at the 2027 Men's Ice Hockey World Championship, citing safety and geopolitical concerns.
- The boycott follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling last week that overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation ban on Russian teams, imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Commercial pressure is mounting alongside the athletic boycott, as sponsors Nokian Tyres and AJ Products announced they would withdraw from the 2027 championship if Russia participates, citing misalignment with their values.
- Broader impacts extend to junior tournaments, with the Finnish city of Turku stating it could withdraw from hosting the 2028 World Junior Championship if Russia is permitted to participate.
- Uncertainty remains regarding the tournament's future, as the IIHF expressed disappointment with the CAS outcome but has yet to determine how to implement the ruling for the May 2027 event.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The Finns were the first to announce a boycott, followed today by the Danes, Norwegians and Swedes. How will those responsible in our hockey association decide?
Sweden, Czechs join growing boycott of hockey world championship games against Russia
DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — Hockey powers Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic will refuse to play against Russia at next year’s world championship, as a growing boycott movement across Europe now includes six of the 16 nations in the men’s tournament. The rift in the sport deepened Tuesday as 11-time champion Sweden, Norway, Latvia and
Russia’s Return to International Hockey Triggers Boycott From Three European Teams
Norway, Denmark, and Sweden will refuse to play Russia at the 2027 Men’s Ice Hockey World Championship in Germany, citing safety concerns and geopolitical tensions, Reuters reported on November 3.
Norway, other European nations vow to boycott Ice Hockey World Championship if Russia returns
"Norway will – based on the current situation and the information available to us today – not play against Russia at the World Championship in Germany in May 2027," said Norges Ishockeyforbund, Norway's ice hockey association, in a statement.
Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija
15min.ltLatvia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark joined Finland on Tuesday in saying they would refuse to play Russia at next year's ice hockey world championship because of Russia's war in Ukraine.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
