Russia returns to the World Championships – this is what happens if the star of the Lions refuses to play
Russia is allowed to return to international ice hockey tournaments after more than four years. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to enable Russia’s participation immediately.
The decision concerns the 2027 World Championships, and the IIHF has stated that it opposes the decision. Russia’s return extends not only to the men’s and women’s World Championships but also to youth tournaments.
The Finnish Ice Hockey Association condemns the decision, but there is no obstacle for the Lions to participate in the same tournaments as Russia. However, individual players and team officials have the right to refuse participation.
The president of the Ice Hockey Association, Heikki Hietanen, condemns the CAS decision in the strongest terms.
– The decision is completely incomprehensible. The Ice Hockey Association strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and we believe that there are no conditions for Russia or Belarus to participate in international ice hockey activities in the current situation, Hietanen says.
The Finnish Ice Hockey Association respects the legal decision-making in international sports and is committed to following the IIHF’s decisions.
Hietanen still makes it clear that no one is forced to play in tournaments with Russia or Belarus.
– The task of the Ice Hockey Association is to enable national teams to participate in international competitions. However, no player or team official is obligated to participate in a tournament where Russia or Belarus is involved. We understand and support those who do not wish to participate in such competitions, Hietanen states.
Russia has been sidelined from international ice hockey since the spring of 2022. Based on the CAS decision, its first possible return tournament is the under-20 World Championships starting in Canada on Boxing Day.
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