Freibergs: Latvia cannot boycott a world championship on its own if Russian teams return

Latvian ice hockey defenceman Ralfs Freibergs has commented on Facebook on a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that allows Russian national teams to return to international hockey. He ended his career with the Latvian national team after the 2026 World Championship in Switzerland, so he does not personally have to decide whether to play against Russians. He says he would not play.

Concerns over who bears responsibility

Freibergs fears that if Russia returns, the decision to play or boycott would be placed on players rather than on federations. He says Finland's federation has already raised the same point.

In his view, Latvia could not afford to boycott a championship alone, because it would then have to restart its international path from the lowest division. He writes that this could spell the end of hockey in Latvia. As long as other countries' federations are unwilling to take a firm stance, one country lacks the strength to act alone, he says. Freibergs believes the matter should be handled by lawmakers, ministers, diplomats and presidents.

Criticism of the IIHF

He calls the verdict a shock and describes anger, disappointment and bewilderment. He is surprised that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and its member national federations also claim to be shocked. Freibergs asks whether they really did not know about the legal proceedings against the IIHF and whether the risks were assessed. He notes that the IIHF congress, which elected new leadership and a president, took place only a month ago, and that was the moment to decide on next steps. He holds the IIHF primarily responsible for the situation.

About the player

Freibergs ended his Latvia career at the age of 35. He represented Latvia at three Olympic Games and ten World Championships, winning bronze in 2023. He currently plays for Olomouc in the Czech Extraliga, with eight points in 14 games.