Two-time Olympic champion and world hockey champion Alexander Kozhevnikov spoke about the decision of the International Hockey Federation (IIHF) to extend Russia’s suspension. He stressed that the organization continues to apply its double standards policy. The remarks came in a candid interview and reflected a broader sense of frustration among fans and former players alike regarding how the IIHF handles geopolitical tensions in sport.
“It was anticipated, and it is not a surprise,” Kozhevnikov said. He believes the IIHF’s actions align with a larger, predictable pattern. The Russian team has been barred from competition, while the Israeli team faced no suspension, a contrast that Kozhevnikov characterizes as a double standard on the part of the IIHF. He added that in his view politics in sports can become a chilling force, shaping decisions that should remain squarely about the game and the athletes who dedicate their lives to it. The sentiment echoed a broader concern about how political considerations intrude into international sporting governance, as conveyed in discussions broadcast by Match TV at the time.
The expert also highlighted that the future steps the IIHF will take regarding Russia may hinge on what happens in Canada. Kozhevnikov suggested that Canadian officials may weigh the Olympics differently if Russian players are not part of the competition, potentially altering the level of rivalry and participation. He described a scenario in which Canadian representatives would consider opting out of the Games if Russia does not participate, potentially altering the competitive landscape and outcomes for teams in various leagues, including the NHL and the global hockey ecosystem. If Russia were absent from the Olympics, the Russians could face a diminished chance at medals, or even become champions in a scenario that some would argue is more political than athletic, as Kozhevnikov framed it. He emphasized that the KHL, as the second strongest league in the world, would operate regardless of the state of the national program, underscoring a pragmatic view of professional hockey’s international structure. In his assessment, the pre-Olympic season could hinge on Canadian participation and the broader willingness of teams to travel and compete with a Russian absence shaping strategy and fixtures.
The IIHF Council meeting, where the decision to extend the suspension was taken, occurred on February 12-13. The IIHF press service noted that the council would continue to monitor developments and, by May 2025, would reconsider the reintegration of the Russian and Belarusian national teams for the 2025/26 season. This timeline keeps the door open for possible reconciliation, even as the current status remains in force. Throughout the discussions, the focus remained on maintaining a balance between adherence to international norms and the practical realities of professional hockey, including the impact on players, teams, and leagues around the world. The ongoing dialogue suggests that future resolutions will seek to preserve competitive integrity while addressing the concerns raised by participating nations and the broader hockey community.
In related developments, a former KHL club reportedly broke a world record during a notable season, underscoring the continued strength and depth of hockey talent that remains active in the region. While the record serves as a reminder of the sport’s enduring popularity and athletic achievement, it also underscores the broader context in which political decisions intersect with the sport, shaping opportunities for players and teams across leagues.
Cited sources and statements from IIHF officials and the players who spoke on this topic reflect a landscape where rules and procedures are continually tested by geopolitical realities. As the situation evolves, stakeholders watch closely to see how the IIHF’s policies will adapt and whether reintegration discussions will move forward in a manner that respects both competitive fairness and the complexities of international sport, including the potential influence of key hockey nations and their leagues. The ongoing conversation remains a defining feature of modern hockey governance and its relationship with national identities, Olympic participation, and the aspirations of players at every level.