Turku threatens to pull out of 2027–28 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship if Russia is allowed to play

Turku has warned it will withdraw from co-hosting the 2027–28 IIHF World Junior Championship with Tampere if Russia's national team is permitted to participate. The move follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport decision that the International Ice Hockey Federation should immediately allow Russia to return to international competition.

City officials say hosting the tournament while Russia takes part would clash with Turku's values and ethical principles, which were updated and approved by the city board in autumn 2026. Mayor Piia Elo said the city "acts according to its values even when that means giving up significant events," and that Turku cannot accept Russia's national team playing in the city "as long as Russia wages a war of aggression against Ukraine."

The city said it would prefer to remain a host if the tournament goes ahead without Russia, and urged the IIHF and the Finnish state to find a solution that prevents Russia's participation. A withdrawal would force organisers to reassess planning for games scheduled in both Turku and Tampere and increase pressure on international and national bodies to resolve the dispute over eligibility.