Latvia considers hosting 2017 World Ice Hockey Championship jointly with Denmark

Two other candidates - Germany and France - previously agreed on a joint bid to organize the event.

However, Lipmans has promised to withdraw Latvia's bid, if state companies do not change their attitude toward ice hockey and sponsorship principles.

"Of course, our nation is interested in hosting the championship. I have managed to negotiate a joint bid together with Denmark, so that we could vie against Germany and France. I will have a meeting at the International Ice Hockey Federation in Zurich and I believe that Latvia and Denmark have greater chances of hosting the championship, since Latvia organized the championships it in 2006, whilst Germany in 2010. Moreover, Denmark has never hosted the championships. Therefore our chances are good. Nevertheless, I would like the government to pay more attention to ice hockey," pointed out Lipmans.

Lipmans told LETA two weeks ago that he does not want to experience the same issues as before the 2006 championship. If the state and private companies do not come forth and help raise funds, Latvia will withdraw its bid during the IIHF congress in June.

LETA
Photo: hokejs.lv