When the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) decision to ban Russia and Belarus from all international hockey, total chaos ensued.
Several countries, including Sweden, are refusing to play Russia in upcoming championships. German federation CEO Frank Lutz has said he will cancel the World Championships in Düsseldorf and Mannheim in May if Russia is involved.
Finland and Norway recently decided to change their visa practices to prevent Russian athletes from entering their countries. But that is not the right way to go, says German Sports Minister Ronald Rauhe.
“You cannot force a political solution through visas,” he said in connection with a meeting of the sports committee on Wednesday.
“Ultimately, for the hockey federation, not issuing visas solves nothing.”
Instead, Rauhe believes Germany should find a solution with the help of the IIHF.
“It will of course mean that Russia will be banned from the championship,” Rauhe said.
What do you think?