PRAGUE, Czech Republic — Skoda Auto, the Czech automaker that has backed the men’s Ice Hockey World Championship since 1993, said Wednesday it will review its role in the tournament if Russia’s national team is allowed to play.
The company, a Volkswagen group brand, said it disagrees with last week’s Court of Arbitration for Sport decision that cleared Russian teams to return to International Ice Hockey Federation events. The federation had barred Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, Skoda said Russia’s return clashes with its values while the aggression goes on, and that it would weigh further steps if the team takes the ice. The automaker added that it believes a solution can still be reached.
Skoda is the latest and largest sponsor to push back. Swedish furniture company AJ Products, a sponsor since 1989, said Monday it is pulling out of next year’s event. Finnish tire maker Nokian Tyres said Tuesday it will end its 2027 sponsorship if Russia competes.
Czech betting firm Tipsport has said it does not want its ads shown during Russia’s games, and Czech brewer Plzensky Prazdroj plans to keep its logo off any Czech Republic-Russia matchup.
National federations are pressing the governing body too. Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and the Czech Republic have said their teams will refuse to face Russia.
The 2027 championship is set for May 13-30 in Germany.
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