Two Judges Behind Russia’s Hockey Ban Reversal Had Previously Appeared at Moscow Conferences

Two of the three Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) arbitrators who cleared the way for Russia’s national ice hockey team to return to international competitions had earlier spoken at legal events in Moscow.

This was reported by Swiss journalist Thomas Renggli, whose findings the outlet Inside Paradeplatz published on November 9. The Ukrainian outlet Champion identified the two as Italian arbitrator Giulio Palermo and Egyptian arbitrator Ismail Selim.

The panel was chaired by Italian arbitrator Giulio Palermo and also included Egyptian arbitrator Ismail Selim and British arbitrator Mark Hovell. Two of the three had previously appeared at legal events in Moscow.

Renggli informed on November 8 that Palermo had appeared at a Moscow arbitration conference weeks before the CAS hearings. On November 9, he stated that Selim had also taken part in a legal event in Moscow.

On September 22, Palermo attended the Russian International Arbitration Congress in Moscow, organized by the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration. The Italian lawyer participated in a discussion titled "History of Arbitration: Who Writes, Who Tells, Who Believes?" CAS maintained that Palermo traveled to Moscow before being appointed to the Russian Ice Hockey Federation’s appeal against the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), stressing that he could not have known he would later hear the case. Inside Paradeplatz placed the congress at The Carlton, a luxury hotel in the Russian capital.

Palermo was appointed panel chair on October 9, according to Champion. Hearings followed on October 23 and 26, and the ruling in favor of the Russian Federation was announced on October 30.

Selim appeared at a RIAC event on May 16, 2025, held at the Four Seasons hotel, according to both outlets. The seminar was organized by the Cairo Regional Center for International Commercial Arbitration together with a Russian law firm, Insideparadeplatz wrote. Champion noted that it was aimed at Russian lawyers, investors, and business representatives.

The agenda included cooperation with Russian institutions and arbitration cases involving Russian parties, the Ukrainian outlet explained. Insideparadeplatz emphasized that nobody claims either arbitrator was biased, but argued that the chronology raises questions for the court.

The scrutiny deepened when a well-known Zurich lawyer announced his resignation from the CAS as an arbitrator, the Swiss outlet reported. CAS has since confirmed the departure, though the lawyer does not want his name made public. According to Insideparadeplatz, he sat on the IIHF Legal Committee, and his decision was expressly linked to Palermo’s possible conflict of interest and doubts about the panel’s impartiality.

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CAS rejected the suggestion of turmoil. “CAS strongly contests reports of growing internal unrest,” a court spokesperson stated, adding that no formal resignation requests had been received. Insideparadeplatz pointed out that the statement came only after the Zurich arbitrator’s resignation was confirmed.

Champion wrote that CAS also asserted that Palermo traveled to Moscow at his own expense before his appointment to the case. The court indicated he could not have known he would later hear the dispute, and said it saw no circumstances that could undermine his independence. It described the reporting as “highly misleading,” Insideparadeplatz noted, and declined further comment.

The backlash against Russia's return has already moved beyond the courtroom. Norway, Denmark, and Sweden have refused to face Russia at the 2027 Men's Ice Hockey World Championship in Germany, citing safety concerns and geopolitical tensions.

Swedish furniture company AJ Products ended its sponsorship of the 2027 tournament, while Nokian Tyres pledged to withdraw if Russia competes. In Finland, the city of Turku warned on November 2 that it could withdraw from hosting the 2028 World Junior Championship if the Russian team is allowed to participate.

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