Our goal must be to hold the tournament as planned, says German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius.
However, given the announced boycotts, it would not be possible for Russia to participate. We therefore want to explore through talks what alternatives are available to ensure the tournament can still take place.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has barred Russia from participating in tournaments since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Last Friday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the decision, provoking strong reactions in the hockey world.
Several countries, including Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic, have announced that they will not play against Russia.
The German Ice Hockey Federation has also indicated that it could withdraw from hosting the tournament, which is due to be held in Düsseldorf and Mannheim in May next year. But the government's announcement is different.
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