Finland Blocks Russia in Hockey as IIHF Mandate Looms

The Finnish Ice Hockey Association confirmed on Monday that its national teams will not face Russia in international tournaments while the war in Ukraine continues. The decision directly contradicts a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation to reinstate Russian teams starting with the world juniors tournament in late December.

The conflict began last week when the Court of Arbitration for Sport issued its order. The federation is now required to include Russian squads in the world juniors event scheduled to begin in western Canada. Finland’s move to opt out of those specific matchups creates a logistical and regulatory hurdle for the organizing body.

Spokesperson Henna Malmberg stated that the association does not believe it is alone in its desire to avoid playing the Russian national teams. Media reports indicate that Latvia is also preparing to decline games against Russia, citing legal reasons as its basis for the refusal.

The International Ice Hockey Federation has not yet clarified how it will handle the forfeit. A message sent to the organization seeking comment on the implications of Finland's boycott was not immediately returned. The current rulebook specifies that supplementary discipline will be applied by proper authorities at their discretion if a team forfeits a game.

The issue has expanded beyond the junior division to affect senior scheduling. Germany’s national hockey federation is currently evaluating whether it can continue as the host of the men’s world championship next year. The organization cited extra costs associated with Russian participation and security concerns as primary obstacles.

Frank H. Lutz, the chief executive of the German federation, is traveling to Berlin this week to meet with political figures regarding the hosting decision. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic is preparing to host the women’s under-18 world championship in January. A spokesperson for Czech President Petr Pavel said last week that he favors banning the participation of athletes under the Russian and Belarusian flags.

Sponsorship decisions are also reflecting the tension. Enock Johansson, chief executive of Swedish furniture company AJ Products, told broadcaster TV4 that the firm plans to request that its logo not be displayed at the men’s championship. Johansson said, “It’s a decision we very much regret having to make, but we all agree it’s the right one.” The company has sponsored the event since 1989, with its branding appearing on referee uniforms and rink boards.