Alexander Kozhevnikov, a two-time Olympic hockey champion, commented on the news about Finland potentially boycotting or withdrawing from World Cup participation if Russia is allowed to take part. He shared his views in an interview with Championship.
According to him, Finland has taken a stance against Russia, and Sweden is part of this posture as well. He did not mince words, describing Finns in harsh terms while clarifying that his candor reflects his personal perspective rather than any official position. He asserted that the Finnish hockey establishment historically benefited from Russian influence and training, and he questioned whether it is appropriate for a celebrated coach to be working in Finland under current circumstances. The speaker suggested that resentment or rivalry could be fueling these tensions, rather than a broad condemnation of the Finnish people themselves.
He went on to label the Finnish leadership as motivated by financial interests, implying that money from banks tied to American interests might shape the elite’s choices. The remark emphasized a belief that the actions of a portion of Finland’s leadership are driven by financial concerns at the expense of athletes and fans. The former player stressed that his comments target government and institutional decisions, not the general population.
On November 30, Finnish media outlet Iltalehti reported that the national team could decline to participate in the 2025 World Cup if Russia is admitted. The article noted that the management of the Finnish Hockey Federation feels the moment is not right for a direct competition with Russian athletes, suggesting a wait-and-see approach until conditions are more favorable for a match-up at the world level.
Earlier in the year, discussions surrounding the international cycle included statements from NHLPA president Marty Walsh, who indicated that Russian players would likely skip the NHL’s international events in February 2025. In September, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly announced plans for a World Cup in 2025, with organizers aiming to feature teams from Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States, with games to be staged in Europe. These remarks set the stage for broader dialogue about eligibility, participation, and geopolitical considerations shaping the tournament landscape, even as league officials pursued a global showcase for the sport.
Past explanations from Bykov about Finland’s potential refusal to participate in the World Cup if Russia is included echoed the sentiments now echoing through various public statements. The evolving position underscores how national teams balance competitive ambitions with political realities, and how hockey culture in the Nordic region intersects with international sports governance. The unfolding debates reflect a sport that remains deeply connected to national identities, historic coaching legacies, and the broader question of how geopolitical tensions influence international competition—on and off the ice, where talent and tradition meet policy and perception.
In sum, the dialogue around Finland’s World Cup participation amid Russia’s possible inclusion reveals a complex mix of competitive strategy, strategic alliances, and public opinion. Stakeholders across federations, players, and fans are watching closely as organizers, players, and governments navigate a path that seeks to honor the spirit of the game while acknowledging the influence of broader geopolitical forces on one of hockey’s most cherished global stages.