“As long as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues, we cannot accept the Russian national team playing in Turku,” Mayor Piia Elo said in a statement.
Turku and Tampere have been appointed as hosts of the World Championship from December 26, 2027, to January 5, 2028.
On Friday, it was announced that Russia would be allowed to participate in future world championships organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), except for the upcoming Women’s World Championship in Denmark. The decision was made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after Russia appealed the suspension that has been in effect since spring 2022.
Turku hopes that the IIHF and the Finnish state will “find a solution that prevents Russia’s participation” in the World Championship.
“If the championship is held without Russia’s participation, Turku is happy to host it,” the city wrote.
The next World Championship will be held in Canada in December and January.
The German Ice Hockey Federation said on Monday that it may need to relinquish hosting duties for the men’s senior World Championship in May because Russia has been allowed to participate.
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