Belarusian capital Minsk removed as co-host of men’s Ice Hockey World Championships due to safety and security issues

To optimise for archiving, the original image and related documents associated with this article have been removed.

The International Ice Hockey Federation has announced that Belarus capital Minsk has been removed as co-host of the Men's World Championships, citing safety and security issues.

The championship was awarded to Riga and Minsk as part of a joint bid and due to take place between 21 May and 6 June but the re-election of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has led to protests in the country with many calling for the championship to be moved out of the country.

The Belarusian government has limited freedom of speech and subsequently punished any who spoke out against the regime which has been widely condemned by the European Union resulting in sanctions on the country and Lukashenko himself being banned by the IOC from attending the Tokyo Olympics.  IIHF President Rene Fasel was recently criticised when he shook hands with and hugged Lukashenko during a meeting where the Belarusian reassured that the championship could safely be hosted in the country. 

The IIHF has now announced that after consulting all stake holders and the Belarusian government that “the decision to move the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship from Minsk, Belarus is unavoidable.” The IIHF said that this decision was taken due to “reason for concern that the well-being or the safe freedom of movement of the players, officials, traveling spectators and media is in doubt.” And “it is currently impossible to ensure the welfare of teams, spectators and officials while holding a World Championship in Belarus.”

The political unrest is one cause for concern but Lukashenko’s approach to Covid-19 is another as he has worried a number of nations with his relaxed view on the pandemic, reportedly saying drinking vodka and attending saunas would keep people safe throughout the pandemic. A number of sponsors recently threatened to withdraw if the tournament was not removed from Belarus so has likely played a significant role in the decision now taken by the IIHF.

Latvia has offered to host the event on its own with countries such as Slovakia and Czech Republic offering to co/host with Riga but the IIHF said “With Minsk/Riga 2021 being a joint bid, the IIHF Council must consider the status of Latvia as a co-host, and will also evaluate the possibility of moving to a single-venue format to facilitate COVID-19 safety regulations and team travel.”

You can read the IIHF statement here.

You may also like

View All

UEFA plans to extend deadline rules on multiclub ownership following Crystal Palace demotion dispute

European football’s governing body UEFA plans to provide clubs with more time to resolve multiclub ownership issues from next season, following the outrage surrounding Crystal Palace being demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League due to American businessman John Textor previously holding shares in both Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais

Read More

Cross-country running, cyclocross and judo possible new Winter Olympic sports, along with other new Olympic developments

In 2030, cross-country running and cyclocross may be added to the Winter Olympic Games set to take place in France, and judo may also join the Winter Games as the International Olympic Committee’s “Fit for the Future” initiative believes this would help keep the Winter Games relevant. Regarding the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games, squash is among five new sports which have been added to the programme

Read More

NCAA set to allow student athletes and athletic staff to place bets on professional sports

The National Collegiate Athletic Association – the governing body for college sports in the U.S. - may soon allow student athletes and staff to bet on professional sports

Read More