The International Ice Hockey Federation filed an official challenge against the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding two members of the panel that reinstated Russia to international competition, Gord Miller reported on Threads.
The challenge targets Italian panel president Giulio Palermo and Egyptian arbitrator Ismail Salim. According to reports from the Swiss outlet Inside Paradeplatz, both men recently traveled to Moscow to attend the Russian International Arbitration Congress.
„Podle zdrojů podala IIHF oficiálně k CAS námitku týkající se účasti dvou ze tří členů rozhodčího senátu CAS, který umožnil návrat Ruska do mezinárodního hokeje. Důvodem je, že tito dva členové senátu nezveřejnili své obchodní vazby na Rusko,“ uvedl Miller na sociální síti Threads.”
Neither arbitrator disclosed these business ties or visits prior to the ruling. CAS rules dictate that the independence and integrity of its judges are of the highest priority.
Undeclared Moscow visits
Ismail Salim visited Moscow last year, while Giulio Palermo traveled to the Russian capital this September, roughly two weeks before his appointment as panel president. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said that it had no prior knowledge of either trip.
The IIHF has filed a challenge with the Court of Arbitration for Sport on the grounds that two of the three panel members in the decision to reinstate Russia had undisclosed business ties to Russia, per TSN’s Gord Miller. pic.twitter.com/LsIYZCJxqp
Despite the lack of disclosure, a spokesperson for the CAS strongly rejected allegations of bias. The court maintained that Palermo’s journey to Russia was entirely irrelevant to his later role in the dispute between the Russian Ice Hockey Federation and the IIHF.
No concrete evidence has emerged showing that either judge was influenced or paid off by Russia.
All parties involved had the opportunity to object to the court’s independence or impartiality immediately following the late October ruling, but none did so because the undisclosed trips only came to light recently.
Broader diplomatic battle
The IIHF could potentially contest the CAS decision at the Swiss Civil Court on procedural grounds. A successful challenge would likely force the arbitration court to rehear the entire dispute from the beginning.
Meanwhile, the Russian sports ministry launched what it calls an offensive diplomatic and legal operation. Russian sports minister Mikhail Degtyaryov requested assistance from the International Olympic Committee.
„Na pokyn prezidenta Vladimira Vladimiroviče Putina vedeme ofenzivní diplomatickou a právní operaci,“ hlásí ruský ministr sportu Michail Degťarjov, který o pomoc žádá i Mezinárodní olympijský výbor.”
A majority of participating countries have expressed opposition and threatened boycotts against Russian participation.
TSN’s Gord Miller reports on some of the possible next moves to expect in the ongoing IIHF/Russia dispute. pic.twitter.com/ydDzfMG1Ny
Government travel bans
Individual host nations retain authority over their own visa policies and border entry rules. Mark Carney announced early in November that Russian hockey players will not receive visas to enter Canada for upcoming tournament events, as reported by Novinky.
Novinky confirmed that the Canadian government formally informed hockey authorities that Russian juniors will not participate in Edmonton and Red Deer. The restriction applies even to players who already hold valid visas or currently play within Canada, and excludes participation under a neutral banner.
Similar obstacles exist in Europe. Czech government resolutions from 2023 prohibit athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing domestically, though Schengen Area freedom of movement rules complicate enforcement if another member state grants entry visas first.
Czech ice hockey association boss Alois Hadamczik addressed local tournament plans in Ostrava, noting that while travelers might enter the Schengen zone, national police retain the authority to block them from performing athletic work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the IIHF file a challenge with the Court of Arbitration for Sport?
The IIHF challenged two of the three CAS panel members—Giulio Palermo and Ismail Salim—because they failed to disclose business ties and recent visits to Moscow to attend the Russian International Arbitration Congress.
What did the Canadian government decide regarding Russian hockey players?
Mark Carney announced that Russian players will not receive entry visas for the junior championship events in Edmonton and Red Deer, and government officials confirmed that participation under a neutral banner is also barred.
Can the CAS decision be appealed further?
The IIHF has the option to challenge the CAS ruling at the Swiss Civil Court on the basis of procedural errors, which could force the arbitration body to review the entire dispute.
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