Speaking in a letter to the International Hockey Federation (IIHF) President Luc Tardif on behalf of the hockey players, Sochi and Russian youth team forward Matvey Michkov said that the athletes are not affected by politics. His words guide the way “Sports Express”.
“I don’t think political issues concern us as hockey players. Our job is to get on the ice and play. We will be wherever they say. They suggested making a collective letter. We supported this idea. “Our job is to go out on the ice and play hockey without thinking about anything,” Michkov said.
On February 15, 2024, members of the Russian youth team sent a letter of objection to the IIHF. In the statement, Russian players reminded that in 2022 the team was not allowed to finish the tournament canceled due to coronavirus, and that they were not allowed to participate in the competitions in 2023 and 2024 due to “security issues”. This is how SVO – IIHF justified the decision in Ukraine.
The IIHF Council met on February 12-13, 2024 and it was decided to extend the suspensions of Russia and Belarus for another season. The organization stated that the IIHF Council will continue to monitor the situation and in May 2025 will consider the reintegration of the Russian and Belarusian national teams for the 2025/26 season.
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