Israeli publication Haaretz published an article denouncing Pavel Bure, member of the board of directors of the International Hockey Federation (IIHF), special representative of the Russian Hockey Federation (RHF) for international affairs, and silver medalist of the 1998 Olympics. He is behind the exclusion of Israeli teams from tournaments under the auspices of the IIHF.
“Under the orders of the IIHF, a vote on the dismissal or extradition of Bure’s interested party, Russia, is not permitted. However, it can participate in decisions affecting other countries. The article states that Bure was behind the suspension of the Israeli national teams as a means of retaliation for the sanctions imposed on Russia.
On January 11, 2023, the IIHF Council suspended the Israeli team from international tournaments in order to ensure the safety of participants. Bild publication reported that on the Israeli side there are suspicions that Russian Pavel Bure, who is on the IIHF council, is connected with the suspension of the national team. And this decision is revenge for Russia’s exclusion from international competitions due to SVO.
In the spring of 2022, the International Hockey Federation decided to ban Russian players from participating in international tournaments, even with neutral status, and the organization also stripped Russia of the right to host the youth world championship at home in 2023.
Previously NHL in the name The IIHF will accept Israel into international tournaments.