The Minister for Sport, Prevention and Health Boris Šťastný sent the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) an official protest on 30 October 2026 against its decision allowing Russian hockey teams to return to international competitions immediately. On the same day the court lifted the ban that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) had imposed on the Russian hockey federation after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russian teams may therefore also appear at the women's under-18 world championship, which is due to take place in January in Ostrava-Poruba.[1]
Šťastný said that he has long opposed Russian athletes competing under the Russian flag, with symbols and with the anthem, until Russia ends its aggression in Ukraine and a ceasefire or peace is reached. In his view, Russian officials often misuse athletes' appearances for propaganda.[1]
According to the minister, the state has no legal means of banning Czech athletes from taking part in competitions where Russians compete, and he would not want to encourage this, as he would consider it disproportionate towards the athletes and their careers. He expects the Czech Ice Hockey Association to ensure that, for the January championship in Ostrava-Poruba, the Russian players compete in neutral jerseys, without an anthem and with a white flag. The entry of Russian athletes into Czech territory is, in his words, governed by the standard visa procedure, for which another ministry is responsible. If Russian hockey players arrive for the tournament in Czechia, Šťastný is prepared to call on fans to support the Czech team as much as possible.[1][2]
The CAS panel that decided on the return of the Russians stated that the IIHF's arguments about safety, security and other concerns were not supported by sufficient evidence. The IIHF disagrees with the decision but announced that it will respect it.[1]
Sources
- Novinky.cz — 30 October 2026
- ČTK / České noviny — 30 October 2026