Lukashenko twist the washers

The main sponsors opposed the world hockey championship in Belarus

The President of the International Hockey Federation Rene Fasel after a visit to Belarus to Alexander Lukashenko received not only the condemnation of the hockey community for his “peacekeeping mission”, but also the “black mark” from the sponsors. The company Nivea Men was the first to notify IIHF that he would not "sponsor the World Hockey Championship in 2021, if there is confirmation that it will be held in Belarus." This is much more serious than the statements of politicians and representatives of hockey federations of a number of European countries - the Fasel still had enough arguments to argue, and I could not have a good rest against the sponsors.

IIHF President was in the situation close to the collapse, which had to be decided in the fall. The phase clings to the last to hold the championship of the world in two countries - Belarus and Latvia, justifying its position by the fact that contracts with the federations of these countries have long been concluded and for their gap, threatening serious financial losses, we need good reason.

The political situation in Belarus, caused primarily by the desire of the current president at all costs to remain at power, was clear since August: the scale of peaceful protests only tightened the scale and cruelty of repression, and the signs of some kind of messages in the actions of Alexander Lukashenko were not visible-he preferred to prefer that everything was going on democratically. Rene Fasel also preferred to prefer that nothing threatens the world championship, despite the pressure from individual countries, and that the IIHF adhered and adheres to the principle of “sport outside politics”.

The last days did not clarify the situation at all, but the phase after a visit to Minsk changed the rhetoric, in fact, recognizing that there was almost no chance left for the world championship in Belarus. He had to explain that in Minsk they and General Secretary General of IIHF Horst Lichtner sent to use the opportunity to somehow influence Alexander Lukashenko.

Until the fact that "we made it clear that the world hockey championship is impossible without changing the political situation in the country."

The terrible in the frying pan in the position, the poor Rene no longer repeats the slogan “Sports outside the politics”, speaking about the use of any, even the slightest chance to hear at least a hint from the President of Belarus to the possibility of dialogue with the opposition. This hint - again, according to the president of the IIHF - did not follow. And about the changes promised by Lukashenko in the constitution and new elections, while the participants in peaceful protests are sitting in prisons with the regime, and it is not worth talking - the phase understands that this will cause even more irritation.

Outwardly, the visit did not resemble a “peacekeeping mission”, about which Phazel began to talk already a post -fact. Previously, it was only about "clarifying the situation." It is not surprising that there are no threats to hold the world championship for the friendly hugs and assurances of the Belarusian side, a very significant part of the hockey community reacted so acutely.

One of the manifestations of this reaction was the proposal of the Latvian Hockey Association to accept all 16 teams and hold all the matches of the World Cup in Riga - as it was 15 years ago. Rene Fasel announced the proposal of Latvia, the intention of the Danish Hockey Union and negotiations with the Slovak Hockey Federation on the same reason, knowing the public that before making a final decision “it is necessary to hold several more meetings”.

One way or another, the IIHF will lose money, and considerable - the account will be presented for refusing Minsk and for transfer, which will also be expensive. And on the accounts of the IIHF after the abolition of the World Cup - 2020 in Switzerland, probably, probably a few funds. But

Not only money is at stake, but also a reputation, which has suffered pretty much in recent months. The reputation of the Russian Hockey Federation as the chief ally Lukashenko can suffer no less, if not more.

It is stupid to represent Rene with a peacekeeper due to its completely pragmatic, and by no means idealistic nature. His hope that the World Cup in Minsk could be a step towards Belarusian reconciliation (and for this it seems like it should be used to agree with Lukashenko), looks at least naive. Hockey is not a bargaining coin, but to count on the fact that the World Cup will unite the people and power after everything perfect is completely stupid.

It is necessary to save the World Cup, but now without Belarus. There will be many questions, including a legal and financial nature, but it seems that there is no other way out.

Yes, he was not there.

REFERENCE

What brands are ready to abandon the sponsorship of the World Cup in hockey because of Belarus

Nivea Men ( official Instagram )

Skoda & ( General Sponsor of the World Cup, Official Instagram )

Tissot ( Instagram )

The list will be updated