Hockey nations refuse to play Russia as Germany weighs pulling out as host

Germany is considering withdrawing as host of the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship after multiple European federations said they would refuse to play Russia, following a court ruling that overturned a four-year ban on Russian national teams. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on 30 October that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must allow Russian national teams of all age groups to compete internationally, including at the 2027 World Championship scheduled for May in Germany. The IIHF said it disagreed with the ruling but would comply. German ice hockey federation DEB chair Frank H Lutz said the ruling "fundamentally changes the situation" for the tournament.