The Finnish and German hockey federations criticized the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which required the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to enter Russian teams in the World Championship. The Finns called the ruling "completely incomprehensible" and said they would not force their hockey players to participate in tournaments with the Russians. The Germans, who are due to host the World Senior Championships in May, warned of the supposedly serious consequences of Russia's return.

The Finnish and German hockey federations criticized the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which required the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to enter Russian teams in the World Championship. The Finns called the ruling "completely incomprehensible" and said they would not force their hockey players to participate in tournaments with the Russians. The Germans, who are due to host the World Senior Championships in May, warned of the supposedly serious consequences of Russia's return.