Roman Rotenberg, the First Vice President of the Russian Hockey Federation (RHF), spoke about the federation’s relationship with the International Hockey Federation (IIHF) during a recent interview with SE. He emphasized that although Russian players have faced suspension from international competition, the ties between the RHF and IIHF remained cordial and free of political discourse when they communicate. He noted that the channels stay open and that goodwill continues to be a feature of their interactions, even amid broader tensions in the sport. Rotenberg observed that political topics are not part of their conversations; the focus stays on hockey and practical matters that affect players and teams. He added that when the situation changes and the political climate allows, more concrete discussions about participation and potential collaboration could resume, but for now the relationship is characterized by friendliness and mutual holiday greetings rather than policy debates. He stressed that the dialogue is ongoing with many stakeholders in the ice hockey world, and that a return to international competition would be evaluated in due course, once the broader geopolitical matters are resolved. The sentiment he shared reflected a belief that sports diplomacy can exist alongside political disagreements, maintaining a respectful exchange and a shared interest in the sport’s development. He conveyed that even during periods of exclusion from the world stage, the HF’s internal operations and sport-building efforts continue, guided by sport-specific objectives and a long-term plan for resilience and growth.
In 2022, the IIHF took sweeping measures that affected Russian participation in international events, including prohibitions on Russian teams and players from competing under the Russian flag or with neutral status. The federation also faced a decision to relocate the hosting of the youth world championship away from Russia in 2023. Later that year, the IIHF Disciplinary Committee denied the RHF’s petition to re-enter international play, signaling a pause in competitive opportunities at that level. These actions marked a pivotal moment for the RHF as it navigated the consequences of governance decisions at the sport’s international governing body and sought to articulate a path forward that would align with both its athletes and its broader organizational aims. The developments also stirred public discussions about governance, eligibility, and the potential for future alignment with international standards.
Fetisov has previously remarked on the IIHF’s authority, arguing that the organization does not possess the right to expel Russia from its ranks. His perspective contributed to the ongoing debate about membership, sovereignty, and governance within international ice hockey and highlighted differing viewpoints on how the sport should manage political and regulatory pressures while supporting athletes and national programs. The dialogue surrounding these issues continues to influence how the RHF and IIHF engage with each other, how policy is shaped, and how decisions are communicated to players, teams, and fans who closely follow the sport. This evolving situation underscores the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and steady leadership as the hockey community navigates a challenging period. The overall message from RHF leadership remains one of measured patience and a commitment to working through the proper channels, with an eye toward eventual reintegration and the restoration of broader international participation when conditions permit. The practical questions for clubs, players, and youth programs focus on preparation, development, and maintaining competitive performance even in the absence of regular international fixtures.