CSKA Moscow is preparing to pursue its options regarding the contract of goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov. The club official statement signals a path toward a formal appeal with major hockey authorities as the situation unfolds. The club leadership indicated that if negotiations with current governing bodies reach an impasse, a filing with the Court of Arbitration for Sport will be pursued. Announcing Fedotov for the upcoming season is described as a joint decision, reflecting the player s interest and the team s commitment to the plan. The president of CSKA, Igor Esmantovich, highlighted a shared spark and competitive spirit that made the announcement a natural step for both sides.
On August 14, the International Ice Hockey Federation issued a ruling that imposed a one season international transfer ban on CSKA. The verdict also restricts Fedotov from playing in the Continental Hockey League until August 31, 2023. The sanctions add a new layer of challenge as the team moves toward the start of the season, setting the stage for a tense period of negotiations and strategic planning.
Between July 2022 and July 2023, Fedotov fulfilled his mandatory military service in Russia. During this period he remained under contract with the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, keeping one foot in North American hockey while the other remains with CSKA and the KHL. This arrangement has shaped the current questions surrounding his playing status and the contours of his contractual obligations.
Looking ahead, the KHL season is scheduled to begin in September. CSKA is slated to open against Ak Bars Kazan, a matchup that promises to be a focal point for fans and analysts alike as the dispute unfolds in parallel with the league calendar. The anticipation surrounding the season is heightened by the potential for Fedotov s involvement, depending on how the legal and regulatory processes play out.
Former CSKA coach Sergey Fedorov did not rule out the possibility that Fedotov could participate in the Moscow Mayor s Cup, a development that could offer a timely glimpse of the player s form and readiness ahead of the league schedule. As the club navigates competing priorities, fans await confirmation on Fedotov s availability and the ways in which the transfer ban and arbitration efforts will influence team composition and competitive strategy.