Russia is set to return to the ice hockey world championships after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the ban imposed in 2022.

The exclusion had been enforced as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With the CAS ruling, Russia will now be eligible to participate in major events during the 2026-27 season, including both the men’s and women’s world championships.

According to the Associated Press, CAS stated that there was insufficient evidence to support the International Ice Hockey Federation's (IIHF) security concerns.

However, questions remain about whether Russian teams will be permitted to compete under their national flag and anthem, or if they will have to participate as neutral athletes, a measure imposed in previous international competitions due to various sanctions.

The IIHF expressed disappointment with the CAS decision, emphasizing in a statement that it "maintains that its decisions were necessary to protect the safety and security of all participants and safeguard the integrity of its competitions."

The IIHF Men's World Championship is schedule to take place in May 2027 in Düsseldorf and Mannheim, Germany.