Germany hopes to host world ice hockey championship — without Russia

Germany is seeking a diplomatic solution that would let it host next year’s men’s ice hockey world championship while keeping Russia out. The dispute follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that the International Ice Hockey Federation must allow Russia to return to international play, prompting boycotts and sponsor threats that could make the tournament unworkable.

Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said Russia’s participation would make hosting “practically impossible” on sporting and economic grounds, though Germany still hopes to stage the event as planned in Gelsenkirchen, Mannheim and Düsseldorf in May. Finland, Sweden and Czechia have said they would not play against Russia, Canada has ruled out Russian players at the World Juniors beginning on 26 December, and Germany says issuing visas could be difficult under current restrictions. The IIHF had not reached a consensus by Friday, while Germany’s ice hockey federation has acknowledged the country may have to consider withdrawing as host.