Together with other member associations of the International Icehockey Federation (IIHF), the German Ice Hockey Federation e. V (DEB) submitted a request for immediate and fundamental sanctions against Russia and its neighboring state Belarus after the terrible warlike events in Ukraine. This involves the suspension of all memberships of the Russian and Belarusian association in the IIHF, of Russian and Belarusian mandates in the IIHF Council and the committees, as well as the termination of cooperation with the Continental Hockey League (KHL).
The DEB takes a clear position and strongly condemns Russia's actions. Any form of military action is incompatible with the values of our European Community and those of sport. So even off the ice, the ideals of peaceful coexistence, friendship and international understanding as well as the idea of fair play should always have top priority. Our greatest concern during this difficult time is, above all, the people of Ukraine.
DEB-President Franz Reindl: “Yesterday we joined the initiative of the Baltic States. As long as this incredible war doesn’t stop, sport can’t just continue.”