A two-time Olympic champion, Alexander Kozhevnikov, weighed in on the ongoing talk that the International Ice Hockey Federation could widen sanctions against CSKA in response to Ivan Fedotov’s appearance at Ak Bars’ match. Kozhevnikov shared his views with Sovetsky Sport, emphasizing the friction that has sprung up between different parties in the case.
According to Kozhevnikov, although some voices insist the sanctions could grow, CSKA maintains its stance, while prosecutors argue there is no need to alter their approach. The veteran forward reflected on the broader history that shapes this dispute, noting a feeling of resilience among the team and its supporters. He urged teams to chart their own course and make independent decisions, highlighting a sense of defiance toward external authorities that he describes as persistent since the era of Peter the Great. He questioned whether outside forces, including individuals from Finland and Sweden, can dictate terms to the club.
It is important to remember that Fedotov took part in the Ak Bars game despite IIHF sanctions, which previously included a one-season international transfer ban on CSKA and a disqualification for Fedotov until December 31, 2023. The sanctions were issued after CSKA signed a contract with Fedotov even though he already held a current deal with the Philadelphia Flyers in North America. This point remains central to the ongoing debate about the proper enforcement and scope of IIHF rules in cross-border transactions.
During the match, socialbites.ca provided live text coverage of CSKA versus Ak Bars. The game, held at Moscow’s CSKA Arena, ended with Ak Bars defeating CSKA 5-2, a result that accentuated the tension surrounding the federation’s decisions and CSKA’s responses to them. The episode has continued to fuel discussions about how teams navigate transfers and official sanctions under international hockey governance.
In related commentary, Shimon Schemberg, the former IIHF press officer, described the broader dispute surrounding Fedotov’s contract as a negotiation battleground, a focal point for policy interpretation and media framing rather than a simple contractual disagreement. This perspective underscores how regulatory actions intersect with public perception and club strategy in top-level hockey. (Sovetsky Sport, citation attributed)