Germany to mull handing back ice hockey worlds over Russia ruling

Germany will discuss whether to hand back its hosting of the 2027 men's ice hockey world championships after Russia was permitted to compete by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Switzerland-based court ruled on Friday that Russian national teams, previously excluded because of the war with Ukraine, should be able to take part in ice hockey world championships again. 

"The German government takes a very critical view of the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)," a government spokesman said on Sunday.

"The German government will discuss possible consequences of the ruling, including for the 2027 ice hockey world championship in Germany, with the German Ice Hockey Federation promptly."

The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) was hoping to make a multimillion-euro profit from the event in May, but chief executive Frank Lutz is considering drastic action after being caught off guard by the CAS ruling.

"I do not want to paint a black picture. I do not want to question the world championship either. But of course, we at the DEB also have to consider the option that we hand back this championship," Lutz told broadcaster MagentaSport.

The International Olympic Committee lifted a ban on the Russian Olympic Committee in July, opening the door for Russian teams to gradually return to the sporting fold.

However, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) had already decided to continue to exclude Russian teams for this season, citing security concerns. 

But after Russia appealed, CAS found in its unanimous ruling that the security concerns cited by the world federation were not sufficiently proven.

The IIHF leadership will to discuss its next move on Monday. 

"The safety of all participants and the integrity of each championship will remain central to this work," a statement said on Friday.

An Under-20 men's world championship in Canada in December and January causes immediate problems given the Canadian government is not allowing Russian teams to have visas to enter the country.

The German government also reserves the right to take such steps in May. 

"In general, it should be noted that since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which violates international law, the German government has been working within the (European) Schengen member states for a uniformly restrictive visa policy towards Russia," the government spokesman said.

A boycott of the championships by individual nations because of Russia's participation is also conceivable.