IIHF withdraws 2023 men’s world championship from Russia

The International Ice Hockey Federation has removed Russia’s hosting rights from the 2023 men’s world championship “out of concern for the safety and well-being of all participating players, officials, media and fans.”

A new host will be chosen during the 2022 world championship, which will take place in May in Finland.

Earlier this year the IIHF removed Russia’s hosting rights for all hockey tournaments in 2022, including the 2023 men’s world junior championship this December. The decision comes after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in late February, a war which has resulted in countless deaths in that country.

“As was the case with Council’s earlier decision to withdraw the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship that was to be held in Omsk and Novosibirsk, Russia, the Council expressed significant concerns over the safe freedom of movement of players and officials to, from, and within Russia,” a statement from the IIHF reads.