IS: Behind the scenes of the Lions, there is a stir – Heikki Hietanen’s Russia speeches angered
Disagreements have arisen within the Finnish Ice Hockey Association regarding Russia’s possible return to the World Championships, reports Ilta-Sanomat.
According to IS, the statements made on Friday by the chairman of the Ice Hockey Association, Heikki Hietanen, have sparked outrage within the association’s board. Hietanen announced on Friday that Finland intends to participate in the ice hockey World Championships, even if Russia is included in the tournaments.
However, several board members interviewed by IS stated that the Ice Hockey Association’s board has not made a decision on the matter.
Board members emphasize that a decision could not have been made in time. The ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding Russia’s return was only made public on Friday morning.
According to IS, the Ice Hockey Association’s board will meet next week on an expedited schedule to address the situation.
Several board members believe that Finland should maintain its strict stance towards Russia. However, a final position is not wanted to be formed until the plans of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) are clear.
The Ice Hockey Association is currently exploring Finland’s options in various tournaments and possible situations. The situation is complicated by the fact that the Ice Hockey Association is committed to following IIHF decisions in its own regulations.
Hietanen has justified Finland’s participation by referencing the Olympic Committee’s guidelines, which state that Finnish athletes and teams can participate in major competitions despite the presence of Russian competitors. However, the Olympic Committee has also stated that the final decision-making power lies with the national sports federations.
IS also raises a potential issue regarding the 2027 Men’s World Championships. If Russia is included without increasing the number of teams in the tournament, Ukraine, currently ranked last, may be eliminated from the tournament.
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