German government wants to keep ice hockey worlds as Russia's return leads to boycott
German officials say boycotts over Russia’s reinstatement could make the championship impossible and are seeking talks to preserve hosting rights.
- On Friday, German officials confirmed plans to keep the Men's World Championship in Gelsenkirchen, Mannheim, and Duesseldorf despite a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that compelled the International Ice Hockey Federation to reinstate Russia.
- The CAS decision last week triggered backlash, prompting nearly half of the 16 teams to threaten boycotts, while major sponsors warned they would pull support if Russia competes citing the war in Ukraine.
- German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius told reporters that Russian participation would render hosting "practically impossible, both from a sporting and an economic perspective," while Russia expects to be awarded wins by forfeit if teams refuse to play.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has ruled out Russian participation in the World Juniors in Alberta, a stance the Russian Foreign Ministry criticized, highlighting widening diplomatic rifts.
- Visa restrictions remain a significant hurdle for Russian athletes, while the IIHF Council extended meetings without reaching consensus on the CAS decision, leaving Germany's hosting plans in limbo.
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85 Articles
The German Ice Hockey League is fighting for the 2027 World Cup. The admission of Russia by the Cas raises complicated questions, the DEB is pressing for quick answers. In case of an emergency, the Federal Government must make a decision.
Svenska Dagbladet
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is opening discussions with Russia, it announced on its website. The Finnish Ice Hockey Federation counters by saying that the World Championship cannot be played with Russian participation.
In the dispute over the World Hockey Championships in Germany in 2027, the Federal Government spoke a power: it does not see any competition for the title fights if Russia is allowed to participate.
Is a hockey world championship with Russian participation possible? After all the boycotts, the answer is doubtful. – It would not be practically possible, says German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius.
Previously, a number of countries refused to play with Russia at the tournament.
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