Germany Considers Dropping Host Role Over Russia Hockey Controversy

Germany is considering withdrawing as host of the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship after several European federations said they would refuse to play Russia. The decision follows a court ruling that overturned a four-year ban on Russian national teams.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on 30 October that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must allow Russian national teams to compete internationally, including at the 2027 World Championship. The IIHF said it disagreed with the ruling but would comply.

Frank H Lutz, chair of the German ice hockey federation DEB, stated the ruling 'fundamentally changes the situation' for the tournament. He reiterated that the federation's position remains unchanged and that allowing Russia to participate would have serious consequences for Germany as host.

A two-day meeting of the IIHF executive body began on Monday, focusing on the ruling. Finland, Norway, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Denmark, and Sweden have all announced they will not play Russia at the 2027 championship. Austria is considering joining them.

Finland's Ice Hockey Federation said it would not play Russia until the country ends its war in Ukraine. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated Russian athletes would not be welcome in Finland next year if the war continues. She also mentioned informing EU colleagues about restricting Russian athletes' access to the Schengen area.

The European Commission said sports federations can decide how to organize competitions, but they must comply with EU sanctions. The Commission also opposed the use of Russian anthems, symbols, and flags at European sporting events. The European Council has decided there should be no normalization of Russia's participation until a just and lasting peace is established in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said there were no grounds for Russia's return to international sport while the war continues. He criticized the CAS ruling, calling it 'staining the ice with Ukrainian blood.' Russia has used prominent athletes as political figures since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.