Given the fuss surrounding Russia's possible participation, returning the 2027 World Cup is currently no longer an option for the German Ice Hockey Association. “This is not something we are planning,” said DEB CEO Frank Lutz at the Germany Cup in Düsseldorf. “We want to hold the World Cup in Germany next year and I am also very optimistic that we will be able to do that.”
After the controversial ruling by the International Sports Court Cas that the suspension of Russian teams due to the war of aggression against Ukraine should be lifted, Lutz initially brought up a possible withdrawal as World Cup organizer. However, returning the World Cup would probably be associated with fines. The sports policy damage for Germany in view of Munich's Olympic bid would also be immense.
The world association IIHF recently declared that it would take the diplomatic route after the verdict, which Lutz also welcomed. Accordingly, Russia should probably be convinced not to participate.
After talks with the federal government last week, Lutz sees a good chance for the home World Cup again - without Russian participation. "The CAS ruling obliges the IIHF to admit Russia again. That is something we reject for many reasons. German politicians also reject it," said Lutz. At the end of the day, the federal government decides who comes into the country. “But on the other hand, that’s of course a bit of a last resort,” said Lutz.
The DEB CEO emphasized: "We have seven or eight nations that have declared that they do not want to play against a Russian team at the World Cup. That makes a World Cup with 16 nations impossible." Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius made a similar statement on Friday.
Switzerland does not want to play against Russia at the U20 World Cup
There is also a stir in international ice hockey about the U20 World Cup in Canada, which takes place in just under seven weeks. Accordingly, the Russian junior selection replaces Norway in Group B in the tournament schedule. The possible group opponent Switzerland reacted and announced that it would not play against Russia. The Swiss association said that the world association had sent the participating nations an adjusted game plan.
In the past few days, the topic has been dealt with intensively and the sporting as well as the political and social aspects as well as the possible consequences have been carefully examined and weighed up.
“On this basis, the Board of Directors of Swiss Ice Hockey has decided that the Swiss U20 national team will not compete against the Russian U20 national team at the upcoming World Cup in view of the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the current circumstances,” the Swiss association said. At the same time, the Swiss made it clear that this was not a rejection of participation in the World Cup. "The Swiss U20 national team is sticking to its participation in the tournament in Edmonton. The decision relates exclusively to the encounter with Russia," emphasized the association.
