Russia’s hockey comeback a ‘return to normality’ – German opposition

The right-wing AfD and the Left Party have urged Berlin to respect a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that reinstated Russian national teams in international competitions. The decision comes despite boycott threats from several European nations and opposition from the German government and hockey federation.

The controversy centers on the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship scheduled for May 13-30 in Dusseldorf and Mannheim. The IIHF has expressed disappointment with the CAS ruling but pledged to comply, while the German Ice Hockey Federation warned it fundamentally changes the situation due to political, economic and security concerns.

Political Support

We see this as a return to normality. Of course, Russian athletes should also be issued visas, Jorn Konig, the AfD parliamentary group's sports spokesman, told ZDFheute. The AfD won September's regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, defeating Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU.

Christian Gorke, the Left Party's sports spokesman, also urged respect for the CAS ruling, saying Germany could no longer ignore the regrettable reality of Russia's return. Both parties have accused sporting authorities of double standards in their treatment of Russian athletes.

European Boycotts

Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Latvia, and the Czech Republic have already announced boycotts of matches against Russia, with Austria indicating it would follow suit. These threats have cast doubt on Germany's ability to host the tournament.

Russian officials have condemned the politicization of sport, with Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev branding the threats infantile and warning of potential legal action. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested moving the championship elsewhere if Germany refuses to host it, noting there are plenty of countries willing to stage the tournament.