Germany says it would be “practically impossible” to host the 2027 men’s Ice Hockey World Championship if Russia is allowed to compete, citing threatened boycotts and possible sponsor withdrawals. The government has not announced a decision to exclude Russia or relinquish hosting duties.
Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius made the assessment on Friday, November 6, after talks with sports organizations and other stakeholders. He said Russia’s participation would make the event unworkable from both a sporting and an economic perspective, according to the government press conference transcript.
The dispute follows an October 30 ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that overturned the exclusion of Russian national teams from International Ice Hockey Federation competitions for the 2026–27 season. Finland, Sweden and Czechia have said they would not play against Russia in a tournament where it is permitted to compete. Several sponsors have also threatened to withdraw.
Germany still seeks a way to host
Kornelius said the government’s aim is to hold the championship as scheduled in May 2027, with games planned for Gelsenkirchen, Mannheim and Düsseldorf. He said talks would continue to find a way forward despite the prospect of boycotts.
The German Ice Hockey Federation has also said the CAS ruling changed the situation around the tournament. Its chairman, Frank Lutz, has acknowledged that Germany may have to consider withdrawing as host. The federation’s statement on the ruling addressed the decision’s effect on international competition.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry also indicated that issuing visas to a Russian team would be difficult under current restrictions. Spokesman Martin Giese said the government would not treat relations with Russia as normal while Russia is waging its war against Ukraine.
The IIHF Council had extended discussions on how to respond to the CAS ruling, but had not reached a consensus by Friday. The first tournament affected could be the men’s World Juniors, scheduled to open in Alberta in late December.
Nicole French