Skoda, Strauss to review ice hockey worlds sponsorship if Russia play
Carmaker Škoda and workwear manufacturer Strauss plan to reconsider their sponsorship of the 2027 men's ice hockey world championship in Germany if Russia are allowed to participate. The International Olympic Committee lifted a ban on the Russian Olympic Committee in July, opening the door for Russian teams to gradually return to the sporting fold despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Czech carmaker Škoda and German workwear manufacturer Strauss are considering reviewing their sponsorship of the 2027 men's ice hockey world championship in Germany if Russia is allowed to participate. The International Olympic Committee recently lifted its ban on the Russian Olympic Committee, which could see Russian teams return to international sports.
However, the IIHF has decided to exclude Russian teams for this season due to security concerns. Russia appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled in their favor on Friday. Škoda, the main sponsor of the tournament, states that Russia's return would be incompatible with their values due to Moscow's actions in Ukraine, potentially leading to a withdrawal of their sponsorship.
Similarly, German firm Strauss, a long-standing partner of the ice hockey world championship, announced that they would forgo any logo presence around the tournament if Russia is set to compete. Several nations, including Finland, are threatening to boycott playing Russia at the event if they take part. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also ruled out a Russian ice hockey team participating in the Under-20 men's world championship in Canada, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
