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German government deems hosting Ice Hockey World Championship with Russia "practically impossible" The German federal government has effectively ruled out the possibility of hosting the Ice Hockey World Championship next May if the Russian national team is permitted to participate. Due to widespread opposition from other nations, as well as from business and media partners, "hosting the tournament becomes practically impossible from both a sporting and an economic perspective," stated government spokesperson Steffen Cornelius. He made these remarks at a press conference following consultations between Berlin, the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB), the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). According to Cornelius, serious threats of a boycott from several countries—including the reigning world champions, Finland—indicate that "the international ice hockey community does not accept Russia’s return, even in light of the ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)." Furthermore, several sponsors of the World Championship have indicated that they would withdraw their support should the Russian team take part. Meanwhile, DEB board chairman Frank Lutz has acknowledged the possibility that Germany might relinquish its status as the tournament's host. "Our goal is to hold the tournaments as planned. However, if Russia is admitted and boycotts ensue, that becomes practically impossible," Cornelius noted. "Therefore, we now intend to explore options through negotiations that might still allow the tournament to take place." DW.