German ice hockey officials had been looking forward to hosting the World Championship in May, with an opening game between Germany and Switzerland planned at Schalke Arena in front of more than 60,000 spectators. The schedule also includes a meeting between the United States and Canada, followed by two and a half weeks of competition.
The prospect of Russia making a major return to international sport at the tournament has changed the debate surrounding the event. The German government views the possibility “very critically,” according to the report.
The issue extends beyond the World Championship itself. Russia’s potential participation could also have consequences for Germany’s Olympic ambitions, making the tournament a politically sensitive matter for the country’s ice hockey authorities and government.
Sources: Süddeutsche Zeitung.