Russia will not host the 2023 World Men’s Hockey Championship, which was to be played in Vladimir Putin’s hometown of Saint Petersburg.
Referring to “concern for the safety and well-being of all participating players, officials, members of the media and fans”, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IHF) announced the decision after its board meeting.
This is the latest blow to Russia in its favorite winter sports, the day after the International Skating Union’s decision to withdraw the Rostelecom Cup in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The FIHG revealed that its officials “have expressed serious concerns about the safety, freedom of movement of players and officials to, from and within Russia”.
Similar reasons were provided last month for taking the 2023 World Junior Championship away from Russia. This championship was to be played in Omsk and Novosibirsk.
Russia had pledged to build a new 23,000-seat amphitheater for the men’s World Cup scheduled for May 2023.
A new host country will be chosen when the tournament begins next month in Finland, the FIHG said.
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