A German government spokesman has stated that an impasse remains following talks with the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB), the International Ice Hockey Federation, and other parties regarding Russia’s return to international competition, following a recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Hosting Challenges and Boycott Threats
Following the CAS decision, leading ice hockey nations including Sweden, Finland, and Czechia announced they would refuse to play against Russia in any tournament allowing its participation. Additionally, several major sponsors warned they would withdraw their support if Russian teams are permitted to compete.
The Men’s World Juniors in Canada late next month would be the first affected tournament, followed by the flagship Men’s World Championship scheduled for May across the German cities of Gelsenkirchen, Mannheim, and Düsseldorf.
German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius told reporters in Berlin that discussions with stakeholders showed Russian participation would make hosting the World Championship practically impossible from both sporting and economic viewpoints. Nonetheless, he noted that dialogue would continue as the government pursues a diplomatic solution to keep the event in Germany as planned.
“Our goal must be to hold the tournaments as scheduled. However, given the boycotts that would follow Russia’s readmission, that would effectively be impossible. For this reason, we intend to explore—through dialogue—how we can still ensure the tournament takes place,” he stated.
DEB chairman Frank Lutz previously acknowledged that Germany might need to consider withdrawing as host in light of the CAS mandate requiring the IIHF to readmit Russia.
Visa Restrictions and International Stances
During the press conference, a German interior ministry spokesman refrained from giving a definitive answer on whether visas could be issued to a Russian team, but suggested it would prove difficult given existing measures.
“At a time when Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, there can be no ‘normalcy’—and we will certainly not pretend that there is,” Martin Giese remarked.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier ruled out the participation of Russian athletes in the upcoming World Juniors taking place in Alberta.
“While Russia and Belarus are supporting this illegal, unjustified war in Ukraine, as long as that’s going on, there will be none of those athletes competing for their countries in Canada,” he declared, adding that Russians will not be present at the tournament.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized nations opposing his country’s return to international sports, claiming they are violating Russian athletes’ rights. The IIHF Council extended its meetings across Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, yet members failed to reach a consensus as the Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship commenced in Denmark and the World Juniors in Alberta approached their December 26 start date.
