Škoda Auto threatens to review hockey sponsorship if Russia returns

Czech carmaker Škoda Auto says it will reconsider sponsoring the Ice Hockey World Championship if Russia returns to the tournament. The company, a main sponsor since 1993, opposes a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport allowing Russian teams back into International Ice Hockey Federation competitions. Škoda says Russia's continuing aggression against Ukraine makes its participation incompatible with the company's values. The Russian team could return at the 2027 championship in Germany. Other sponsors, including Czech betting company Tipsport and brewery Plzeňský Prazdroj, have also raised objections, while several foreign sponsors have threatened to withdraw.