Russia's possible participation at the men's hockey world championships next year is being met with fierce, and widespread, opposition.
Two major sponsors, Czech carmaker Skoda Auto and German apparel brand Strauss, said Wednesday, Nov. 4, they are considering withdrawing their sponsorship if Russia plays in the tournament, scheduled for May 13-30 in Germany. This after at least seven countries said they would boycott games against Russia as long as its war on Ukraine continues.
"With Russia’s aggression continuing, we believe the Russian national team's return to the World Championship is incompatible with the values we have consistently upheld," Skoda, the tournament's main sponsor since 1993, said in a statement, according to Reuters.
"If
the Russian national team takes part in the tournament, we will reassess our involvement in the tournament and take further action."
Strauss, best known in the United States for its deal with Major League Baseball that puts its name on all batting helmets, said it will not allow its logo to be used or shown during the world championships. It is "also considering withdrawing as a sponsor."
Two other European companies have said they will limit the use of their logos during the tournament.
The International Ice Hockey Federation acknowledged the displeasure and said it was "analyzing the scenarios" that have resulted from last week's ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that cleared the way for Russia's return.
"As presented to the CAS, the immediate reintegration of Russian teams presents significant practical and sporting challenges, including visa and entry requirements, security provisions, logistical constraints and consequences for competition formats, all compounded by the limited time available, with some events only weeks away," the IIHF said in a statement.
Russia has largely been a pariah in international sports since its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, banned from the Olympics and most world championships. Russia has challenged many of those bans at CAS, the international tribunal set up to hear sports-related disputes.
In a ruling Friday, Oct. 30, CAS said there wasn't sufficient evidence for the IIHF to continue barring Russia out of concern for safety and security. It ordered Russia be allowed to participate in five hockey tournaments, including the senior men's and women's world championships next year.
But the 16-team field for the men's tournament is already set and the draw done, leaving no obvious means of adding Russia. The CAS panel did not provide guidance on how the IIHF should handle "organizational consequences."
"The global impact of the decision made by the CAS Panel and the challenges it creates for all involved were significantly underestimated," the IIHF said in its statement. "The IIHF Council remains in dialogue with Member National Associations, organizing committees, host authorities and other key stakeholders to determine the best way forward."
European countries have made no secret of their displeasure with the International Olympic Committee and individual sports organizations beginning to lift their bans on Russia. At the world gymnastics championships last month, host Netherlands refused to recognize the Russian team, ordering them to compete as the neutral "WG2" instead. It also denied visas to three of Russia's top women gymnasts, citing unspecified security concerns.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Resistance growing over Russia's participation at hockey world championships
