Hockey worlds boycott grows as 6 of 16 nations join over Russia reinstatement

Six European nations have pledged to boycott games against Russia at next year's ice hockey world championship following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling ordering Russia's reinstatement. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Latvia, and Czechia joined Finland in refusing to face the Russian team. The collective boycott movement has grown rapidly as countries cite security risks, player wellbeing, and ongoing opposition to the war in Ukraine.

The unrest has also spread to commercial partners and tournament hosts, with Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres threatening to pull its sponsorship. Germany is reconsidering hosting the men's tournament due to cost and security concerns, while Austria weighs joining the boycott. Russia had been excluded from International Ice Hockey Federation competitions since its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.