OREANDA-NEWS. President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Rene Fasel said that in case of transfer of the World Cup from Switzerland due to coronavirus outbreak, the tournament could be held in Russia.

The official noted that the Russian side turned to the IIHF with a proposal of assistance, if the world championship is canceled in Switzerland. Fasel added that he was in Russia recently, and there was a conversation of the country’s readiness to host the 2020 World Cup, if necessary.

The tournament is scheduled for May 8–24. The IIHF President admitted that if the championship is moved to another country, there will be very little time left before the competition. However, the head of the Federation believes that Russia is able to hold the hockey world championship.