IIHF Challenges Two CAS Arbitrators Over Russia Ice Hockey Ruling

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the governing body of world ice hockey competitions, has raised objections to two arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) who were involved in the ruling on Russian national teams returning to international tournaments. The objection is based on the claim that both arbitrators failed to declare their connections to Russia.

The CAS ruling

In late October, CAS ordered the IIHF to reinstate Russia's national teams in international competitions immediately. The decision covers next year's world championships for senior men, the U-20 and U-18 teams, and the women's world championships. Latvia's national team also plays in the men's top division.

The alleged links to Russia

The panel was chaired by Italian arbitrator Giulio Palermo. This autumn he visited Moscow, where he spoke at a conference on arbitration and moderated a discussion. Egyptian arbitrator Ismail Selim visited the Russian capital last year. The third panel member was Mark Howell of Britain. The IIHF objection concerns Palermo and Selim.

Background

Russian teams have been barred from IIHF competitions since February 2022, when Russia launched its renewed invasion of Ukraine. In that time they have missed five consecutive world championships, as well as the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina.