Germany weighs pulling world ice hockey championship after CAS allows Russia
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on 30 Oct that Russia must be readmitted to international ice hockey, prompting Finland, Sweden and the Czech Republic to announce they will not face Russia in any tournament and leading major sponsors such as Škoda to threaten withdrawal. German officials say the boycott risk makes hosting the May men's World Championship in Gelsenkirchen, Mannheim and Düsseldorf practically impossible, and DEB chairman Frank Lutz says Germany may have to consider relinquishing its hosting rights.
Key facts
- German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius reported the CAS ruling on 30 Oct.
- Finnish Ice Hockey Association chief confirmed Finland will not face Russia.
- Canada announced it will deny visas to Russian players.
- The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation said Russia replaces Norway in the junior tournament schedule, ranked tenth in the comeback ranking.
- Jens Lehmann (CDU) argued Germany should keep the tournament despite the controversy.
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Why it matters
The decision could reshape the 2027 world championship lineup and affect major sponsorship revenue.
What changed
First published from DW, Tagesschau, Yahoo Sports and NRK