Germany ice hockey world championship Russia participation, Digi Mart USA News: The German government has effectively ruled out hosting the ice hockey world championship in Germany next May if the Russian national team is allowed to compete. After talks with the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB), the international federation IIHF and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), government spokesman Stefan Kornelius told the Federal Press Conference that the tournament’s feasibility is “factually impossible” in sporting and economic terms.
Kornelius said the widespread rejection by other nations, as well as by economic and media partners, was a key factor. Boycott threats from several countries around defending world champion Finland, he said, “show that international ice hockey does not accept Russia’s reinstatement through the decision of the CAS.” Several World Championship sponsors have also announced they would withdraw if Russia takes part.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had approved Russia’s participation in international tournaments the previous week, triggering a heated debate. Several nations have said they want to boycott World Championship games against Russia, including Finland, the reigning champion.
DEB chairman Frank Lutz, meanwhile, has raised the possibility of returning the hosting role.
Kornelius said the goal must be to stage the tournament as planned, but that this is factually not possible given the boycotts if Russia is admitted. “That is why we now want to explore, through dialogue, ways in which we can still hold the tournament,” he said.
The federal government will support the DEB as a partner in treating the situation as a priority to protect the integrity of sport, and will work with partners to find another solution so that Germany can remain active as host.
