IIHF challenges CAS ruling allowing Russian hockey teams

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has challenged the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision to allow Russian national teams to compete internationally, questioning the arbitrators' impartiality. The IIHF alleges conflicts of interest involving two of the three judges, Giulio Palermo and Ismail Selim, who reportedly failed to disclose business ties with Russia. Both arbitrators made trips to Moscow, raising concerns about their neutrality in the case. The Norwegian hockey federation hopes to reclaim its spot at the 2027 World Junior Championship, citing Canada's visa restrictions as a potential barrier to Russian participation despite the CAS ruling. The tournament is scheduled for December 26, 2026, to January 5, 2027, in Edmonton and Red Deer.