“I am overwhelmed with anger and disappointment”: Freibergs warned of the threat of a boycott of the World Championship for Latvia

### “I am overwhelmed with anger, disappointment, and bewilderment” The reason for Freibergs' sharp statement was the decision of the CAS, according to which the International Ice Hockey Federation must immediately restore the participation of Russian teams in international competitions, reports [nra.lv](https://nra.lv/sports/hokejs/533420-ralfs-freibergs-par-krievijas-atgriesanos-hokeja.htm). It is reported that the decision affects next year's World Championships for men's teams, under-20 youth teams, under-18 junior teams, as well as the women's World Championship. Russian hockey players have been suspended from IIHF tournaments since February 2022, following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Freibergs admitted that the news of the court's decision was a shock to him. > “I am overwhelmed with anger, disappointment, and bewilderment!” — the hockey player wrote on Facebook. However, even more than the decision itself, the athlete was outraged by the reaction of the international hockey organization and national federations. ### “Didn’t they know about the court proceedings?” Freibergs believes that the IIHF leadership should have prepared in advance for a possible unfavorable court ruling. In his opinion, the international federation and its members could not have been unaware of the proceedings and the associated risks. > “Didn’t they know about the court proceedings against the organization they represent? Were the possible risks and further actions not assessed to prevent such a situation?” — the hockey player questioned. He reminded that just a month ago, the IIHF congress took place, where the leadership of the organization was elected. According to Freibergs, it was then that the possible consequences of the court ruling should have been discussed and a common position developed. > “It is the IIHF that bears the main responsibility for this situation,” — the athlete emphasized. ### “I would not play” After the last World Championship in Switzerland, Freibergs ended his appearances for the Latvian national team. Therefore, he will not have to personally decide whether to take the ice against Russian hockey players in the event of their return. But he has clearly stated his position. > “I would not play,” — Freibergs wrote. At the same time, the hockey player fears that national federations may shift the responsibility for a possible boycott onto the athletes themselves. According to him, the decision to participate in competitions should not become a personal problem for players, who will have to choose between their sports career and their own beliefs. ### Why Latvia cannot boycott the championship alone Despite his categorical rejection of Russia's return, Freibergs does not consider a unilateral boycott a reasonable solution for the Latvian team. He warns that refusing to participate in the World Championship could have serious sporting consequences. > “I believe that Latvia cannot afford to boycott the championship alone, as we would then have to start our journey in international hockey from the very lowest division,” — the hockey player stated. In his opinion, such a scenario could deal a heavy blow to the development of hockey in the country. At the same time, Freibergs emphasizes that Latvia will not be able to effectively oppose the return of Russian teams without the support of other national federations. ### “Sport has long become politics” In his address, the hockey player called for the discussion of the issue to be elevated to a higher level. In his opinion, the situation has gone beyond the competence of individual athletes and requires coordinated international actions. > “We can be angry, blame, and shout here, but as long as the federations of other countries do not want to take a firm stance, we alone do not have enough strength,” — Freibergs noted. He believes that political leaders of states should be involved in solving the problem. > “Sport has long become politics, and now is the time for this issue to be resolved by deputies, ministers, diplomats, and presidents of states!” — concluded the hockey player. ### IIHF acknowledged the court's decision but warned of problems The International Ice Hockey Federation officially expressed disappointment with the CAS decision on October 30. The organization emphasized that the previous restrictions were necessary to ensure the safety of participants and protect the principles of conducting competitions. At the same time, the IIHF stated that it would comply with the court's ruling, but its practical implementation would require additional work. The federations will need to coordinate with tournament organizers and national associations changes in the composition of participants, schedules, team accommodations, and safety measures. The decision affects five World Championships for the 2026/2027 season. The first tournament affected will be the under-20 World Championship, which will begin in Canada on December 26, 2026. It is also not yet determined whether Russian teams will be able to compete with national symbols or if they will have to comply with neutral status conditions.