Six Nations Join Boycott of Hockey Worlds Following Russia Reinstatement Ruling

Sweden, Norway, Latvia, and Denmark joined a growing boycott of the hockey worlds on Tuesday, bringing the total to six of 16 participating nations.

Six of the 16 nations scheduled for next year's men's world championship—Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Norway, Latvia, and Denmark—have pledged to boycott games against Russia. This movement follows a Friday ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) requiring the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to reinstate Russian teams, starting with the world juniors in Canada next month. Russia has been excluded from international play since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden’s hockey federation board reversed its initial stance on Tuesday, confirming the "Three Crowns" will not face Russia in upcoming tournaments. Norway also announced its refusal to play, citing the ongoing war and the mental health and safety of its players. General secretary Petter Salsten noted that if Russia is added to the world juniors, Norway would likely be removed as the last team to qualify. Latvia reaffirmed its position against playing Russia or Belarus, while the Danish federation chairman confirmed its teams would also decline to participate.

Financial and logistical pressures are mounting as sponsors react to the CAS decision. Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyres announced it will end its sponsorship if Russia competes, and Swedish firm AJ Products requested its logo be removed from broadcasts involving Russian games. Additionally, Germany is reconsidering hosting the men's championship due to security and cost concerns, while Turku, Finland, has declined to co-host the world juniors if Russia is included. Austria is currently weighing whether to join the collective European boycott.