Germany is considering canceling the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship due to Russia’s admission
Germany is considering pulling out of the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship due to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling that allowed Russian teams to compete in international competitions. Frank Lutz, the chairman of the German Ice Hockey Federation, said Russia’s participation could increase security costs and create economic risks for the organizers.
This is reported by Magenta Sport .
The reason for the possible revision of plans for holding the tournament was the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which obliged the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to allow Russian national teams to participate in international competitions.
It is expected that Russia could return to the men’s World Cup in the elite division – at the level at which its team was before its suspension in 2022.
Frank Lutz noted that the German Ice Hockey Federation does not rule out canceling the tournament due to possible financial consequences.
“We must also consider the option of canceling this World Cup. We cannot take an economic risk that we can no longer bear. I believe that we will find a solution,” Lutz said.
According to him, the participation of Russian teams could significantly increase security costs. The German federation plans to discuss this issue with representatives of the authorities and the IIHF.
Lutz also suggested that Russia’s return could prompt other countries to withdraw from the tournament, citing Latvia, which is banned from playing matches with Russian teams.
“Of course, there is also a risk that countries will say: ‘Under these circumstances, we cannot participate in the tournament.’ I really hope that this will not lead to a boycott, because it is not in anyone’s interest, especially the athletes. But, of course, it is impossible to completely rule it out,” the head of the German federation noted.
The final decision on Russia’s participation will be made by the IIHF. In one scenario, the Russian team could replace Ukraine in the elite division of the 2027 World Championship, as the Ukrainian team was the last to advance from Group IA in 2026.
Lutz called the situation difficult given the reputation and integrity of the sport, but stressed that he would not make assumptions until the international federation’s final decision is announced.
On the eve, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga criticized the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which could pave the way for the return of Russian national teams to international hockey competitions . At the same time, the place of the Ukrainian national team in the elite division of the 2027 World Cup was under threat due to the possible resumption of Russia’s participation.
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