Earlier, Match TV reported that the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in the fall of 2023 developed draft amendments to the Federal Sports Law of the Russian Federation and some other regulations in order to escape control of the FHR and, therefore, the IIHF. However, at the moment this initiative has not been approved.
— Is there a movement to recognize the KHL as an independent league?
—Such conversations have taken place, but I can’t say anything concrete at the moment. We have good relations with the KHL and we are members of the IIHF. However, the IIHF always takes a categorical approach towards such initiatives. They only recognize the National Hockey League (NHL), founded at the same time as the international federation. This is therefore an isolated case.
In the past we tried to leave the control of the IIHF, but René Fasel prevented this. Because if Russia does it today, then tomorrow Finland, Sweden, etc. can do it. What will the IIHF be governed by? This is membership in the federation which organizes the world championships. If the league withdraws, players will be banned from participating in the World Championships and Olympic Games, as they will be outside the influence of the international federation. There are international rules that must be respected.
At the moment I can’t say anything concrete. Yes, there are discussions and documents, but there are no details yet.
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Source: Sport
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