Germany hopes to host world hockey championship — without Russia
Germany's government says hosting the Ice Hockey World Championship in May would be 'practically impossible' if Russia is allowed to participate, following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling.
Despite ongoing talks with stakeholders, Germany's government acknowledges that the impasse caused by last week's Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling remains unresolved. The CAS decision requires the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to allow Russia's return to international play, creating significant challenges for upcoming tournaments.
Hosting dilemma
The first tournament affected is the Men's World Juniors in Canada starting December 26, followed by the IIHF's premier event, the Men's World Championship, scheduled for May in Germany. Stefan Kornelius, the German government spokesman, stated that Russia's participation would make hosting the championship 'practically impossible — both from a sporting and an economic perspective.'
Boycott threats
Since the October 30 decision, Finland, Sweden and Czechia have refused to play against Russia in tournaments where it's allowed. Several key sponsors have also threatened to withdraw support if Russian teams participate. DEB chairman Frank Lutz had conceded that Germany may be forced to consider withdrawing as host.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has already ruled out Russian players competing in the World Juniors, stating: 'While Russia and Belarus are supporting this illegal, unjustified war in Ukraine, as long as that's going on, there will be none of those athletes competing for their countries in Canada.'
Visa complications
When asked about issuing visas to Russian teams, a German Interior Ministry spokesman indicated difficulties under current restrictions. Martin Giese emphasized: 'At a time when Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, there can be no 'normalcy' — and we will certainly not pretend that there is.'
The IIHF Council extended discussions for a third day on Thursday but had not reached consensus by Friday. Meanwhile, the Women's Ice Hockey World Championship opened in Denmark unaffected by the CAS decision, as the clock ticks toward the World Juniors in Alberta.
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