Skoda not to sponsor WHC if held in Belarus

Skoda Auto will not sponsor the World Hockey Championship if the tournament takes place in Belarus, the company announced in a statement released on Saturday.

It is important for the carmaker to comply with, protect and enforce all regulations that protect human rights, the head of communications at Skoda Auto, Tomáš Kotera, told the ctk news agency.

The company’s partnership with the world championship has lasted since 1993 and Skoda is the main sponsor of the event. The carmaker last signed an agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation four years ago, valid until this year.