Sweden and Norway Join Finland in Hockey Boycott Against Russia
The Three Crowns will not play Russia in coming world championship tournaments,
Swedish hockey federation head Anders Larsson said in a statement.
Following Finland’s lead, Norway and Sweden committed to refusing games against Russia at the ice hockey world championship, which further widens a division within the sport. Russian squads must be brought back by the International Ice Hockey Federation, starting with next month’s world juniors in Canada, according to a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Finland announced it is rallying other nations to boycott games against Russia in response to the ruling.
The world junior tournament begins Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer. Hockey Canada stated it was seeking clarity from the IIHF on how Russia’s return would affect the event. Canada’s federal government opposes Russia’s return and will maintain restrictions on Russian athletes at events in Canada that receive federal funding, though Hockey Canada confirmed the World Juniors has no federal funding. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated the province would comply with the CAS ruling.
The Swedish hockey federation board decided not to play against Russia while continuing to play other world championship games. That marked a turnaround from the previous week, when Sweden initially indicated a boycott was off the table following the CAS ruling.
Shortly after the Swedish announcement, Norway released its boycott decision. Our position is that Russia should be excluded from all international championships as long as the war in Ukraine continues and remains unchanged,
the Norwegian Ice Hockey Association said in a statement. The association also cited the safety and wellbeing of its players and staff as a primary reason for the decision, noting that playing Russia could expose them to significant security risks.
Sponsors threaten to withdraw support over Russia participation
Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres stated it will no longer sponsor the world championship if Russia takes part. Tiina Frazer, senior vice president for brand, marketing and communications, said that continuing the sponsorship under those circumstances would not align with the company’s values. This followed an announcement from Swedish furniture maker AJ Products, a tournament sponsor since 1989, asking for its logo not to be shown if Russia plays.
Other national federations and host cities face disruptions. The chief executive of Germany’s hockey federation previously stated the country could pull out of hosting the men’s world championship next year due to cost and security concerns. The Finnish city of Turku announced it will not co-host next year’s world juniors if Russia participates, and the Czech government could bar Russian players’ entry for the women’s under-18 world championship in January.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico voiced support for Russia’s return on social media, questioning the value of winning a gold medal without having to beat Russian players. Meanwhile, the women’s world championship starting in Denmark is proceeding without Russia and remains unaffected by the CAS ruling. The IIHF did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the refusals by Finland and Norway to play Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hockey Boycott
Which nations have committed to boycotting games against Russia?
Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Latvia have signed up to the boycott or indicated refusal to play against Russia.
Four Nordic countries – Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway – have announced that they will not participate in any scheduled games against Russia in upcoming international hockey tournaments. pic.twitter.com/wes0klYuV7
How did sponsors react to the reinstatement of Russian teams?
Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres threatened to pull its sponsorship, and Swedish furniture maker AJ Products asked for its logo to be removed from the tournament if Russia participates.
What was the legal basis for Russia’s return to international play?
According to a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the International Ice Hockey Federation is required to permit Russian teams back into competition, beginning with the upcoming world junior tournament.
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BREAKING – Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden refuse to play against Russia in the ice hockey world championships
BREAKING – Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden refuse to face Russia in the ice hockey world championshipshttps://t.co/l9BxtKvqGW
This is getting ridiculous, Sweden and Danish and Finland boycotting and saying they won't play against Russia in the IIHF and skipping to play the games. They pussys, they're scared to play them cuz they know they'd lose. All pussys, bringing politics into sports. What about…
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