Hockey nations refuse to play Russia as Germany weighs pulling out as host

Germany is mulling a pullout as host of the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship after a string of European federations declared their refusal to play against Russia. This comes following a court ruling that overturned a four-year ban on Russian national teams from international sports, allowing Russian teams of all age groups to compete at the upcoming championship in Germany.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on October 30th that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must permit Russian teams to participate in all age group competitions, including the 2027 World Championship scheduled for May. The IIHF expressed disagreement with the ruling but stated it would comply with it.

Frank H Lutz, chair of the German ice hockey federation DEB, emphasized that the ruling fundamentally alters the dynamics of the tournament. He highlighted the serious security, political, and economic repercussions of allowing Russian teams to join, stating that DEB is currently analyzing the decision with the IIHF.

Several European nations have already announced their decision not to play Russia at the 2027 championship. Finland has stated that it will not allow Russian athletes to participate until the ongoing war against Ukraine concludes. The Finnish Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, even threatened to restrict the entry of Russian athletes to the Schengen area if Russia continues its aggressive actions.

Similar stances have been taken by Norway, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Denmark, and Sweden, with Austria contemplating a similar stance. USA Hockey has yet to comment on the matter.

In response to the ruling, the European Commission expressed support for the federations' right to organize their tournaments as they see fit. However, the Commission stressed that both federations and member states must adhere to EU sanctions and restrictive measures. It also refused to endorse the use of Russian anthems, symbols, and flags in European sports events.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha explicitly condemned the court's decision, asserting that it effectively brands Russian sports with Ukrainian blood. He called for Russia's exclusion from international sports until a just and lasting peace is established in Ukraine.

Russia's actions during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine have been met with international outrage, including the destruction of numerous sports facilities and the loss of many Ukrainian athletes.