Russia To Officially Return To IIHF Women's World Championships In 2027 Following Court Order

After four years, Russia will return to international men's and women's hockey competition in 2027. This comes after a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport made a final decision, ordering the IIHF to reinstate Russia to competition.

The IIHF expressed "its disappointment with the decision" after the ice hockey body had suspended Russian national teams from play following the nation's unprompted and ongoing attacks on Ukraine.

"The IIHF disagrees with this aspect of the ruling and maintains that its decisions were necessary to protect the safety and security of all participants and safeguard the integrity of its competitions," the IIHF wrote, adding their concerns remain.

For women's hockey, Russia will now factor into the 2027 World Championships in Quebec City. It's uncertain how this decision will impact the playing field with 10 nations already slated to play in the event including France, who was promoted recently from the Division 1A World Championships, and nine of the ten teams currently slated to drop the puck November 6 in Denmark. 

The addition of Russia could force a last minute switch to relegate two teams from this year's tournament in order to keep the top division of the women's World Championships at 10 teams, or the IIHF may choose not to relegate any nations and grow the top division to a 12-team loop, closing the gap toward the 16 nations that compete in the top men's division.

In their statement regarding the decision, the IIHF acknowledged these logistical hurdles. 

"Changes to participation require extensive coordination with the relevant Member National Associations, organizing committees and host authorities, including a review of competition formats, schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements, and safety and security measures. These decisions made by CAS do not consider the practical elements which cannot be implemented immediately," the IIHF wrote.

It's acknowledgement that the decision will directly impact the entire tournament format and rules, including for the Worlds in Denmark set to begin in one week.

"The IIHF will urgently assess the steps and time required to give effect to the ruling and address its operational consequences," they concluded.

Russia has won three World Championship bronze medals, most recently in 2016, and also finished fourth three times.

Russia continues to grow their presence in North America, including in the PWHL where Fanuza Kadirova, Anna Shokhina, Vita Poniatovskaia, Daria Gredzen, and Maria Batalova are all slated to head to training camps in November.