The Council of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has extended the ban on the national teams of Russia and Belarus from participating in international tournaments. This is specified release organizations.
“Based on a detailed risk assessment of a well-known company, the IIHF Board has decided that it is not yet safe to bring the national teams of Russia and Belarus back into competition. It will not be safe for the next season of the championship,” the message says.
On January 25, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it is considering the possibility of allowing Russian athletes who do not support the conduct of a special operation on Ukrainian territory to participate in international competitions in a neutral status.
Recall that the International Ice Hockey Federation previously decided to exclude Russian hockey players from participation in international tournaments, even with a neutral status, and took from Russia the right to host international home competitions.
Roberts Pluzhates, Former Secretary General of the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation reacted He reports that the majority of IIHF members are in favor of the return of the Russian and Belarusian national teams to international tournaments and the 2024 World Cup.