Germany drops threat to hand back ice hockey worlds over Russia ruling

Giving back the hosting rights to the 2027 men's world championship because of Russia's possible inclusion is no longer an option for Germany, the country's ice hockey boss said on Sunday.

"We want to hold the world championship in Germany next year, and I am also very optimistic that we will manage that," German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) chief executive Frank Lutz told reporters.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled last month that Russia could take part in international ice hockey competitions again despite its long war in Ukraine. 

The judgement could have implications for other sports after the International Olympic Committee last year opened the door for Russia to return to the sporting fold.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) had argued security concerns meant Russia should still be excluded, but Russia appealed and won at CAS.

Lutz and the German government then considered handing back the hosting rights to May's event, but ticket sales will now carry on as planned.

A withdrawal would come with financial penalties and could damage Munich's bid for the Olympics. 

The IIHF recently said it would take a diplomatic route following the CAS ruling, which Lutz welcomes. Media reports say Russia is being persuaded to pull out after some nations and sponsors threatened a boycott.

"We have seven or eight nations that have declared they do not want to play against a Russian team at the world championship. That makes a 16-nation world championship impossible," Lutz said.

"The CAS ruling obliges the IIHF to readmit Russia. That is something we reject for many reasons. German politics rejects that too." Germany refusing visas for Russian players is one option available.

An under-20 men's championship is taking place in Canada at the end of the year and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Russians will not attend, without specifying the details.

The Swiss ice hockey federation said on Sunday that its team would not face Russia in the Canadian junior tournament.