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IIHF removes Russia from hosting duties for 2023 World Championship

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Cooper Godin
April 26, 2022  (10:31)
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The International Ice Hockey Federation council announced on Tuesday that they've removed St. Petersburg (Russia) from their hosting duties for the 2023 World Championship, next May.

Moving the tournament from Russia is due to their unprovoked war on Ukraine, which also made the IIHF move the 2023 World Juniors from Russia to Canada.

"Out of concern for the safety and well-being of all participating players, officials, media, and fans, the IIHF Council has decided to withdraw the hosting rights of the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship from Russia, in accordance with IIHF Bylaw 9." The IIHF's statement said.

They added, "An alternative host for the World Championship will be confirmed during the 2022 IIHF Annual Congress in Tampere, Finland, which will take place during the final week of the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship."

It's unclear who will be named host, but it's possible we see Czechia (2024 hosts) or Sweden and Denmark (2025 hosts) move up to the 2023 tournament, if their hosts cities can be ready in time.