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The world ice hockey association IIHF has withdrawn co-hosts Belarus from the world championship this year in view of the great political and economic pressure.
The decision of the Executive Committee of the IIHF on Monday at a video conference was made due to "security concerns", the association said.
In view of the machinations of the ruler Alexander Lukashenko, the criticism had recently increased.
IIHF President René Fasel described the World Cup withdrawal as “regrettable” but “inevitable”.
A decision is to be made within a week as to where the World Cup, which was planned from May 21 to June 6 in Riga, Latvia, and Minsk, Belarus, will take place.
Recently only Riga or the alternative nations Denmark or Slovakia were in discussion.
The Executive Committee will meet again on January 25th and 26th.
By then, at the latest, it should be clear where the World Cup is now taking place.
Sponsors threatened with consequences
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Actually, the World Cup should not be discussed until next week.
In view of the intense pressure that had recently arisen, the executive committee, which also includes the President of the German Ice Hockey Federation Franz Reindl, made a decision on Monday at a regular video conference.
Fasel had previously always warned of the financial consequences of withdrawal due to existing contracts.
At the weekend, sponsors had announced possible consequences.
Several long-term partners of the IIHF threatened to withdraw if the IIHF confirmed Belarus as a co-host.
The EU has not recognized Lukashenko as president since the presidential election on August 9, which was classified as falsified.
Dozens of states have imposed sanctions against officials in the power apparatus.
Protests against Lukashenko have seen more than 30,000 arrests, hundreds of injuries and numerous deaths since August.
Belarus is also being criticized for the lack of corona protective measures.