Sport · Singapore Bureau
France Withdraws Para Ice Hockey Team Over Russia World Championship Row
France has pulled its national para ice hockey team from next month's World Championship in Mexico in protest over Russian teams competing in the event. The withdrawal adds to a growing boycott among nations opposed to Russia's reinstatement in international ice hockey.
LSN Singapore ·
France's ice hockey federation announced Thursday it would not send its para hockey squad to the World Championship in Mexico next month, citing objections to the participation of Russian teams at the competition.
The decision marks the latest in a series of withdrawals from the event as multiple nations protest Russia's readmission to international ice hockey competition. The federation's stance reflects broader concerns among participating countries regarding the reinstatement of Russian athletes in the sport.
The para ice hockey World Championship is set to take place in Mexico in December. The French federation's announcement comes as other nations grapple with the question of Russian participation in international sporting events.
France joins a growing list of countries reconsidering their involvement in competitions featuring reinstated Russian teams. The boycott underscores divisions within the international ice hockey community over the terms and timing of Russia's return to global competition following previous suspensions.