Russia's return to world hockey raises questions for Ukraine at the 2027 worlds and for Slovakia's World Cup place

In brief

• Skoda Auto and German workwear maker Strauss have both signalled they may withdraw support from the 2027 world hockey championship in Germany if Russian teams take part.
• The Czech Ice Hockey Association says it will not play Russia if the arbitration verdict stands, while Slovakia's prime minister has welcomed Russia's return.
• Most of the 16 teams due to compete in 2027 reportedly oppose Russia's return, with the United States yet to take a public position.

Sponsors start to step back

The company, whose spokesperson Iva Povolna told the Czech News Agency, cited the continuing Russian aggression against Ukraine as the reason it sees Russia's return as incompatible with its values (Škoda Auto přehodnotí podporu hokejového mistrovství, pokud se ho zúčastní Rusko – Seznam Zprávy) (Škoda Auto přehodnotí podporu MS v hokeji, pokud se ho zúčastní Rusko – Novinky.cz).

The amount it spends on the event has not been disclosed („Naše logo na turnaji nebude.“ Kvůli ruskému týmu hrozí dát ruce pryč od MS v hokeji další sponzor – Novinky.cz).

Where federations stand

The Czech Ice Hockey Association has said it will not play matches against Russia if the verdict stands, aligning itself with other European federations (Hokej proti Rusku. Podívejte se, jaký je postoj jednotlivých zemí – Seznam Zprávy). Seznam Zpravy reports that most of the 16 teams due to take part in 2027 oppose Russia's return, with a strong European bloc and Canada leading the resistance. The United States has not publicly stated a position.

Slovakia stands apart. Prime Minister Robert Fico has said Russia's return is welcome and that Russian players rank among the best in the world (Na návrat ruských hokejistov reagoval aj Fico: Patria medzi najlepších na svete – SME.sk). Slovak sponsors have also been drawn into the debate, with reports that some companies are waiting before deciding whether to stay involved (Škoda zatiaľ vyčkáva, mlčí Kaufland aj Fortuna. Návrat Ruska na MS v hokeji preverí aj sponzorov – SME.sk).

Questions for Ukraine and Slovakia

The reporting does not say whether Ukraine will take part in the 2027 championship or what its position is. Whether sponsors and federations follow through on their threats will depend on how the Russian team's participation is confirmed in the coming months.