Sports · Other Sports · 3 hrs ago
Germany considers withdrawing as host of 2027 ice hockey world championship
The German Ice Hockey Federation is considering giving up hosting the 2027 men’s world championship, but has not decided to do so.
The tournament is planned for May in Düsseldorf, Mannheim and Gelsenkirchen.
The CAS ruling allows Russian teams back into international tournaments run by the IIHF, the sport’s world governing body.
Whether Russian players can get visas for Germany, and how other arrangements would work, is still unclear.
Federation head Frank H. Lutz said security measures could bring major extra costs, creating a financial risk the organizers may not be able to manage.
Lutz is due to meet officials in Berlin next week to discuss the government’s role, including visas.
He said he remains optimistic that a solution can be found, though he cannot guarantee the tournament will go ahead in Germany.
Germany is considering giving up its role as host of the 2027 men’s ice hockey world championship, German Ice Hockey Federation chairman Frank Lutz said.
Lutz said the federation could not be certain the tournament would take place in May in Düsseldorf, Mannheim and Gelsenkirchen.
He cited the high costs of providing security, particularly if Russian teams compete.
The International Ice Hockey Federation must allow Russian teams to return to international tournaments following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Lutz said discussions with German officials would include whether Russian players could receive visas.
- Who
- The German Ice Hockey Federation, led by chairman Frank Lutz, is considering withdrawing as host.
- What
- Germany may give up hosting the 2027 men’s ice hockey world championship.
- When
- The tournament is scheduled for May 2027.
- Where
- Düsseldorf, Mannheim and Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
- Why
- Lutz cited the financial risks and security costs, including those linked to Russia’s possible participation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Russian national teams must be allowed to compete in international tournaments.
Lutz said the federation had to consider the option of giving up the 2027 world championship.
Lutz said he would travel to Berlin for discussions about the government’s position, including visas for Russian players.
The championship is scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf, Mannheim and Gelsenkirchen.
- Host country
- Germany
- Tournament
- 2027 men’s ice hockey world championship
- Scheduled month
- May 2027
- Planned host cities
- Düsseldorf, Mannheim and Gelsenkirchen
- Federation chairman
- Frank Lutz
- Court ruling
- 30 October 2026 – Russian teams must be allowed to compete in international tournaments
4 sources
What people are saying
I want to avoid painting a bleak picture, and I do not want to call the World Cup into question.
But of course, as the DEB, we have to consider the option of giving this World Cup back.
We cannot take on an economic risk that we can no longer manage.
I believe we will find a solution; I am very optimistic.