Russia slams International Ice Hockey Federation for excluding Russia and Belarus
Olympic champion and two-time Stanley Cup winner, Czech goaltender Dominik Hašek, commented on the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) decision to ban Russia and Belarus from the 2026 World Championship. He accused the federation of lying about the true reason for the suspension.
Photo: Press service of HC Avangard by Dmitry Loshkarev
Avangard – AK Bars September 9, 2024
Hašek welcomed the exclusion, stating that “international hockey will remain free of Russians and Belarusians next season,” which he believes will prevent the promotion of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and ultimately save many lives. However, he dismissed the IIHF’s official justification – inability to guarantee security – as outright lies.
“IIHF, stop lying to people! There is only one reason why Russians are not allowed to participate in competitions. If these hockey players took part, the tournament would become massive propaganda for Russia’s special operation!” Dominik Hašek said adding that false explanations from the IIHF undermine the reputation of the federation.
Russia Calls IIHF a Pro-Fascist Organization
Russia’s exclusion from the 2026 World Championship was announced on February 4. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide separately on whether Russia can compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics after the organization’s presidential election.
Two-time Olympic champion Alexander Kozhevnikov, commenting on the IIHF’s decision, stated that the federation is a pro-fascist organization and claimed that “this was all known in advance.”
Meanwhile, Vyacheslav Fetisov, another two-time Olympic champion and a State Duma deputy, said that the decision did not come as a surprise at all, but vowed that we will return in the future.
“We should only return with our anthem and flag, without bowing down to anyone. This is Team Russia, we don’t need handouts,” Vyacheslav Fetisov said.
Russian Ice Hockey Federation Responds
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation stated that Russia’s participation in the 2026 World Championship could be reconsidered if the special military operation in Ukraine would end in 2025. Additionally, Russia will have the opportunity to appeal the IIHF’s decision after the 2025 World Championship concludes.
Meanwhile, Swedish Ice Hockey Federation Chair Anders Larsson supported the IIHF’s ruling, stating that these measures were absolutely necessary given the current situation.
Details
The Ice Hockey World Championships are an annual international men’s ice hockey tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). First officially held at the 1920 Summer Olympics. The IIHF was created in 1908 while the European Championships, the precursor to the World Championships, were first held in 1910. The tournament held at the 1920 Summer Olympics is recognized as the first Ice Hockey World Championship. From 1920 to 1968, the Olympic hockey tournament was also considered the World Championship for that year.
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