The Finnish national hockey team may opt out of the 2025 World Cup if Russia is allowed to take part in the event, according to a report cited by Iltalehti. The Finnish Hockey Federation’s current stance is that the moment has not arrived for competing alongside Russian athletes.
“Right now, it is not the time to send a signal to Russia that sports can have friends while politicians dispute participation in major tournaments”, the article notes, raising questions about how long Finland will influence other sports bodies and press its position on the inadmissibility of facing Russian teams in competitions.
Marty Walsh, president of the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA), indicated that Russian players are unlikely to participate in the NHL’s international tournament planned for February 2025. In September, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly announced plans to host the World Cup in 2025, with teams from Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States expected to participate. Organizers aim to hold the games in Europe.
Historically, the International Hockey Federation (IIHF) barred Russian players from international tournaments even with neutral status in spring 2022. The IIHF also revoked Russia’s right to host the junior world championship on home soil in 2023.
In a separate note, Alexander Ovechkin previously set a personal record for time on the ice without injury or suspension, underscoring the long-standing career of a leading figure in the sport.
This evolving landscape shows how national federations, league governance bodies, and top players are navigating the complex interplay between competitive integrity and geopolitical tensions. The Finnish federation’s position reflects a broader debate about how international sports organizations respond when conflicting state actions intersect with competitive events, a topic that continues to draw attention ahead of the 2025 World Cup and related international competitions.
Observers emphasize that decisions at the federation and league levels will likely influence broader sporting diplomacy and the scheduling of future tournaments across North America and Europe, where fans, players, and national teams await clarity on participation rules and eligibility criteria. The developing storyline invites close watching as officials balance competitive interests with principles and public expectations.