Turku says won't host junior ice hockey world championship if Russia plays

The Finnish city of Turku said Monday it would withdraw from hosting the ice hockey junior world championships in 2027-2028 if neighbouring Russia participates following a CAS ruling last week.

Russia has been banned from International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) competitions since President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on October 30 that Russia can return to the world championships following an appeal from the Russian Ice Hockey Federation.

The first tournament for which Russia will be eligible for is the junior world championships in Canada that run from December 26 this year to January 5, 2027.

The following tournament, in 2027-2028, is to be held in Turku.

"Turku will give up hosting the IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship at the turn of the year 2027–2028 if the Russian national team participates in the tournament," the city of Turku said in a statement.

"As long as Russia is waging a war of aggression in Ukraine, we cannot accept the Russian national team playing in Turku," mayor Piia Elo said in the statement.

The city said it hoped the IIHF and the Finnish state would "find a solution that prevents Russia's participation".

"If the Games are held without Russia's participation, Turku will be happy to host the Games."