Germany weighs giving up hosting the hockey world championship as nations refuse to play Russia

Germany is considering withdrawing as host of the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship after several European federations said they would not play Russia. The trigger was a 30 October ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that overturned a four-year ban on Russian national teams. The tournament, which brings together the leading national teams in the sport, is scheduled for May in Germany.

CAS ruled that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must let Russian national teams of all age groups compete internationally, including at the 2027 championship. The IIHF said it disagreed with the decision but would comply. A two-day meeting of its executive body on the ruling began on Monday.

Positions of Germany and other nations

Frank H. Lutz, chair of the German ice hockey federation (DEB), said the ruling fundamentally changes the situation. He stressed that the federation still rejects Russia's return, because it would carry serious security, political and economic consequences for Germany as host. The DEB is analysing the decision with the IIHF.

Finland, Norway, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Denmark and Sweden have announced they will not play Russia at the 2027 event, and Austria is considering joining them. Heikki Hietanen, chair of Finland's federation, said the country is trying to coordinate a joint position among as many nations as possible. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said she would tell EU colleagues that Finland intends to restrict Russian athletes' access to the entire Schengen area. Czech Interior Minister Lubomir Metnar said the ruling does not oblige his country to issue visas to Russians.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Russia will not be allowed at the World Junior Championship in Alberta, which starts in late December. The CAS ruling does not apply to the Women's World Championship in Denmark, which will go ahead without Russia. Two sponsors, Swedish furniture firm AJ Products and Finnish tyre maker Nokian Tyres, said they would withdraw if Russia takes part.

EU and Ukrainian reaction

The European Commission said federations and member states must comply with EU sanctions, and that it does not want to support normalising the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes while the war in Ukraine continues. Twenty-one members of the European Parliament called for sanctions and visa restrictions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said there are no grounds for Russia's return to international sport.