Athletistic / Hockey. General Director of the Russian Hockey Federation (RHF) Dmitry Kurbatov discussed the situation regarding the possible admission of the national team to international competitions. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has no longer allowed Russian national teams and clubs to participate in its tournaments since March 2022.
“The decision on 2025 will be made very soon. It should be made before April. However, from our point of view, we do not see any positive changes in this direction. In addition, a decision on the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy will be made . soon, but we are not in the first place, because negotiations are currently underway with the NHL and the parties will be able to reach an agreement in February. And only then will a variety of unexpected options be possible, because this is a matter, and it is unlikely that Russia will simply be left behind in this matter,” Kurbatov said, as quoted by RIA Novosti Sport.
On January 1, 2024, Luc Tardif wanted the FHR to return to international competitions this calendar year. In February 2022, the IIHF suspended all teams from Russia and Belarus from participation in international tournaments due to events in Ukraine. On March 22 last year, the organization extended the suspension for the entire 2023/2024 international season, including the Hockey World Championship in the Czech Republic.
Source: Sport
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