Foto: BB.LV / хоккей
The hosting of the 2027 World Ice Hockey Championship in Germany is in question following the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the return of Russian teams to the international arena. As reported by the LETA agency, the head of the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB), Frank Lutz, stated in an interview with Magenta Sports that the country does not rule out the possibility of refusing to host the tournament. The reason is potential financial and organizational difficulties associated with the participation of the Russian national team. ### Germany fears a sharp increase in security costs According to Lutz, allowing the Russian team could significantly change the conditions for holding the championship. > "We should consider the possibility of renouncing the right to host the World Championship. We cannot expose ourselves to such a financial risk that we cannot handle," said the head of the German federation. He explained that the main issue is related to security arrangements. > "The costs will be completely different, mainly concerning security issues. We will discuss this with local politicians and the IIHF," Lutz added. Thus, the German side intends to discuss further actions with representatives of the authorities and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). ### Russian hockey players may be banned from entry Another possible scenario mentioned by Lutz is the refusal of entry for the Russian national team into Germany. However, the decision on this matter will be made not by sports officials, but by government authorities. > "This is a political decision that we as a federation cannot influence," acknowledged the head of the DEB. So far, no final decision has been made regarding Germany's refusal to host the championship or any possible restrictions for the Russian national team. ### What did the Court of Arbitration for Sport decide? As previously reported, on Friday, the CAS issued a ruling requiring the International Ice Hockey Federation to immediately restore the participation of Russian teams in international competitions. According to the LETA report, the decision applies to the 2027 World Championships in several categories: - among adult men's teams; - among under-20 youth teams; - among under-18 junior teams; - among women's national teams. The Latvian national team also competes in the top division of the men's World Championship, so the issue of Russia's participation also affects the Latvian national team. ### Russia has been suspended from international hockey since 2022 Russian teams have not participated in tournaments under the IIHF auspices since February 2022, following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During the suspension, Russian hockey players missed five consecutive World Championships, as well as the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The CAS decision has created a new situation for the organizers of international competitions, who now have to resolve issues regarding the participation of Russian teams. Germany still retains its status as the host country for the 2027 World Championship, but its hockey federation intends to discuss the possible consequences of the court's decision with the authorities and the IIHF.
