The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) has responded to a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne (CAS) on allowing Russian national teams to take part in international competitions. The federation opposed the return of Russian teams to tournaments and said it needs to assess the consequences of the decision for the upcoming World Championship.
This is stated in a DEB statement.
The German federation stressed that its position on the participation of Russian national teams remains unchanged. It noted that it had already voiced its opposition to their return before the Council of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and during the CAS hearings.
"Our position remains unchanged: we oppose the return of Russian national teams to international ice hockey tournaments. As an IIHF member, we have stated this position clearly and unequivocally – both before the IIHF Council and during the CAS hearings.
This decision fundamentally changes the situation surrounding the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship, which is due to be held in Germany. For us, as the host country, Russia’s admission entails serious consequences in the areas of security, politics and the economy. We are currently analysing this decision together with the IIHF and will later announce the next steps," the statement said.
The DEB said it plans to thoroughly examine the legal and practical implications of the CAS ruling and to hold consultations with the IIHF.
The International Ice Hockey Federation itself has already said it will comply with the CAS decision to admit Russia to international competitions, although it disagrees with the verdict.
- Earlier, Russia was barred from the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship, which Germany will host.