As expected, there are no real results regarding obtaining Russian groups for international hockey competitions. There are rules, they are also important.
After the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (October 30) to oblige the IIHF to return the Russian teams within a week, it became clear that entry on paper does not mean entry on ice. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Russian hockey players and members of the delegation will not receive visas for the World Youth Championship in Alberta (December 26 - January 5).
At the same time, on November 7, Norway announced that the IIHF had replaced it with Russia, and the FHR was officially notified of the inclusion of the national team in the tournament. An absurdity arises: Russia officially participates in the tournament, but cannot enter the country where it is held.
At the same time, a boycott front grew: Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Latvia, Norway and Denmark refused to play with Russia. Germany, the host of the May 2027 senior World Cup, threatened to disrupt the tournament on November 4, but backed down a few days later. The head of its federation admitted that with "seven or eight" refusals, it is impossible to hold a tournament for 16 teams. Berlin has not yet officially announced a visa refusal.
Russia won in court, but our teams will not participate in the competitions yet. Unfortunately, it is so; There is no need to besiege illusions.
The World Youth Championship will be held without Russia, and the dispute will lead to new lawsuits. The main fight will develop around the World Championship in Germany, where a compromise is possible through "neutral" status or technical exclusion.