Hockey World Cup: Turku does not want to host if Russia is involved.

Down the city announced on Monday that the city will give up hosting the World Youth Hockey Championship if Russia participates in the games.

The games are scheduled to be played at the turn of the year 2027–28. They are planned to be held in Turku and Tampere.

“The city hopes that the International Ice Hockey Federation and the Finnish government will find a solution that will prevent Russia’s participation,” Turku announced.

“A commitment to host the World Cup in a situation where the Russian national team participates in the competition would not be in accordance with the values ​​of the city of Turku. If it cannot be ensured that Russia will not participate in the competitions, Turku will withdraw from the hosting. The decision to withdraw is based on the city’s values ​​and ethical operating principles.”

Mayor of Turku Piia Elo says in the announcement that as long as Russia is waging a war of aggression in Ukraine, Turku will not accept Russia playing in the city.

Sports the decision given by the international arbitration court Cas on Friday, October 30, opened the way for Russia to the future hockey World Cup tournament. The first of them is the World Cup tournament for under-20s starting on December 26 in Canada.

The solution also applies to the 2027 men’s World Cup in Germany and next autumn’s women’s World Cup in Canada. The women’s championships starting this week in Denmark are not affected by the decision.

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation had complained to Cas about the IIHF’s decision to extend the participation ban on the country’s teams.

The IIHF had justified the participation ban with security threats and concerns related to the organization and fairness of competitions.