Former IOC chief Thomas Bach backs Russia at May 2027 hockey worlds in Germany

Bach's argument

Thomas Bach, 72, a former president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), told the broadcaster Sport1 in an interview published on 14 November 2026 that Russia should be allowed to play at the men's ice hockey world championship scheduled for May 2027 in Germany. He said that governments should not decide who may compete in sports events, and that the autonomy and neutrality of sport must be preserved. Bach, who won Olympic gold in fencing in 1976, argued that sporting merit, not political views, should count. Critics say he maintained a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin while he led the IOC. In his words:

“It cannot depend on states or governments who can take part in sports competitions, when, how, where and why.”

He added that he has always held this view.

The CAS ruling and the IIHF appeal

The debate follows a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which in late October ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to admit Russian teams to world championships in the 2026/27 season. The decision came despite Russia's ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine. The IIHF disagreed with the ruling and has appealed it. Its appeal argues that two of the three arbitrators who decided on Russian admission did not disclose business ties with Russia. The federation has also pointed to problems with visas, security, logistics and a shortened timeframe for changing the competition format.

Boycotts and Germany's position

Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Finland, Denmark and Czechia have announced that they will not play against Russia at the championship. Finland is the reigning world champion, and several countries have threatened boycotts of games against Russia. The German Ice Hockey Federation, which hosts the May tournament, wants the IIHF to find a quick solution that leaves Russia out as a participating nation. The German government said that hosting the event with Russian participation was factually impossible given the boycotts.

Russia's response

Russia's ice hockey federation, led by Vladislav Tretyak, has threatened Germany with damages claims if Russia is excluded again. Tretyak said, as reported by the Tass news agency, that a corresponding application had already been filed with the IIHF ethics commission. President Vladimir Putin said Russia intends to use sports justice to secure the participation of its athletes in international competitions. In his words:

“We must consistently pursue this legal path and uphold the decisions taken, including those of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

Putin accused the other side of ignoring the legal system in this area and of disregarding the principles of the Olympic Charter.

Ukraine's place at risk

The 2027 championship is planned for 16 teams. Ukraine took the final place in the elite division, which makes its spot the most exposed if Russia is admitted. Bach said that the prospect of Ukraine giving way to Russia would be problematic, and he stressed that sporting qualification must remain the deciding factor.

“Taking away someone's sporting qualification after the fact is, in my view, highly questionable.”

Russia's team had reached the final of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where it lost 2-1 to Finland. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and that Beijing final took place shortly before the invasion.