IIHF loophole could block Russia from world championships

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is working intensively to resolve a crisis, with a potential loophole to again suspend Russia from international tournaments after a court ruling allowed its return. The suspension could be based on Russia forcing a Ukrainian hockey team from occupied Donetsk into its league system. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled Russia must be allowed to play from next season, but several nations, including Sweden, Finland, and Canada, refuse to face or host Russian teams. Russia has demanded another country host the World Junior Championship, which the IIHF could argue is impractical on short notice. According to TSN expert Gord Miller, the IIHF could investigate Russia's inclusion of a Donetsk team, which would violate rules requiring permission from Ukraine's federation. A new CAS case would take time, giving the IIHF room to adjust regulations, though Russian players in Canada's OHL could potentially form a team.