The IIHF Faces Pressure Over Russian Federation Membership and Fedotov Case
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is weighing the potential loss of membership for the Russian Hockey Federation as Moscow has reportedly ignored IIHF sanctions linked to goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov and CSKA. This assessment comes from a source familiar with the situation, cited by Match TV. — Match TV
The core question emerging from this stance is what happens if the Russian side persists in defying the IIHF decision. The international federation could pursue legal action against the IIHF Disciplinary Committee for non‑compliance with its ruling. In such a scenario, six penalties are possible, ranging from a formal warning to the exclusion of the federation from the international hockey family. — Match TV
The sanctions trace back to Fedotov’s breach of a contractual agreement with the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). — Match TV
On 16 December, the Independent Disciplinary Council denied the appeals filed by Fedotov and CSKA. The IIHF concluded that Fedotov violated his obligations under his contract with Philadelphia, which began when he signed with the Flyers in 2022. He then served a year in the military before signing with CSKA ahead of the 2023/24 season. — Match TV
Earlier, on 14 August, the IIHF imposed a season‑long international transfer ban on CSKA. The team’s goaltender, Fedotov, was barred from playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) until 31 December 2023. Those sanctions remained in force. — Match TV
It is noted that Fedotov returned to the ice for CSKA in the opening game of the KHL season on 1 September, facing Ak Bars. CSKA lost 2–5, but the goaltender played the entire match and continues to participate in the KHL regular season. — Match TV
Additionally, there were discussions about guidance given to prominent players in related national contexts, highlighting ongoing dynamics around goalkeeping strategy and international play. — Match TV
Overall, the situation underscores the tension between individual professional contracts, league rules, and international governance in hockey, a balance that governing bodies continually reassess as sanctions and compliance evolve. — Match TV