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

Several European countries, including Finland and Norway, announced they will not compete against Russia in the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship following a court ruling that lifted a ban on Russian teams. Germany, as the host nation, is reconsidering its role due to the ruling, which the International Ice Hockey Federation must comply with despite disagreement. Finnish officials emphasized that Russian athletes would not be welcome unless the war in Ukraine ends, and sponsors threatened to withdraw if Russia participates. The European Commission reiterated that sports should not normalize Russia's presence amid ongoing conflict, while Ukrainian officials condemned the ruling as legitimizing Russia's actions.