Tampere will drop youth hockey worlds if Russia is allowed

Tampere will give up hosting the youth ice hockey world championships if Russian participation is not prevented, the city’s mayor told Yle. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Turku and Tampere in December 2027 and January 2028.

“The city of Tampere’s position is clear: a team representing Russia will not play in Tampere,” Mayor Ilmari Nurminen said. Turku announced on Monday that it would also withdraw as a host if Russia is allowed to compete.

Nurminen said he hoped the issue would not be left for the cities to resolve. Tampere has held talks with the Finnish Ice Hockey Association and the government, and wants them to find a way to prevent Russian athletes from taking part.

One possible measure is to deny Russian athletes visas. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said over the weekend that Russian athletes would not be allowed into Finland next year if Russia continues its war of aggression. The Finnish Ice Hockey Association said on Monday it would do everything possible to keep Russia out of the world championships and that Finland would not play against Russia.

Nurminen said the city is not organizing the tournament and does not decide which teams take part. Sports federations are responsible for organizing competitions, while state authorities decide on entry to the country. He had previously asked the Foreign Ministry for guidance; its response in September outlined sanctions and visa practices but did not provide specific instructions.