Skoda, Strauss Threaten to Back Out if Russia Plays in 2027 World Championship

Two major sponsors of the men's ice hockey world championship announced on Wednesday that they will change their support if Russia competes in the 2027 tournament. The decisions add financial pressure on the International Ice Hockey Federation as it prepares for the event in Germany next May.

Skoda, an automaker based in the Czech Republic and part of Volkswagen Group, has sponsored the championship for more than 30 years. The company said in an e-mailed statement that it will reassess its involvement if the Russian national team takes part. Skoda executives stated that they do not support the recent Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that required the IIHF to lift its exclusion of Russian teams.

Strauss, a German maker of work clothing and equipment, also issued a statement regarding its sponsorship. CEO Henning Strauss said the company values its collaboration with the IIHF but would forgo all logo exposure if Russia plays. Strauss added that the company is considering withdrawing as a sponsor entirely if the CAS ruling stands.

The International Ice Hockey Federation responded to the sponsor backlash by saying the impact of lifting the exclusion of Russian teams had been underestimated. The governing body noted that reintegration presents practical challenges, including visa requirements, security provisions, and logistical constraints. The IIHF stated it is currently analyzing scenarios around the CAS decision.

The dispute follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling from last week that obliged the IIHF to allow Russian national teams to compete. Russia had been excluded from international ice hockey since 2022 due to the war in Ukraine. Almost half of the 16 nations scheduled to play in Germany next May are refusing to face Russia.

Seven European national teams have joined a boycott of games against Russia. Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Norway, Denmark, and Latvia have said they will play the tournament but will not play Russia. Austria became the seventh nation to join the boycott on Tuesday. Austrian federation CEO Alexander Helwig told broadcaster ORF that his country would certainly not play against Russia at this time.

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov said on Tuesday that he expected Russia to be awarded wins if other nations forfeit games. He also said Russia would send information about potential boycotts and host nation conduct to the International Olympic Committee. The Canadian government stated it will not allow Russia to compete at the world junior championship starting next month.