The International Hockey Federation (IIHF) will allow Russian teams to return to its competitions following a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that overturned their exclusion, Pravda reported. The IIHF said it disagrees with the decision but will respect it while highlighting the security, organizational, and logistical challenges a Russian return presents.
Hašek vs. Chmelár: A Clash of Moral Standards
Chmelár accused Hašek of applying a double standard. He reminded Hašek of his own presence at the White House in 2008 when then-U.S. President George Bush, whom Chmelár called “the world’s living Western criminal,” welcomed the Stanley Cup-winning Detroit Red Wings, including Hašek, while the Iraq War raged. He criticizes Ovechkin for taking a picture with ‘killer’ Putin, but he stood next to the biggest living Western criminal, George Bush, in the middle of military aggression in Iraq that cost hundreds of thousands of lives.
Hašek responded by admitting he was not very interested in politics in 2008 and that the rules of the time were not set up as they are now. He conceded he might have acted differently if given the same opportunity then. However, he maintained that the current war in Ukraine is different, as Russia invaded a neighboring state, occupies its territory, and kills civilians. Chmelár countered that the war in Iraq also had devastating consequences for civilians. Chmelár, while respecting Hašek as a hockey player, expressed confusion over why he expects public political statements from Russian athletes. “Sport doesn’t kill, sport unites, unlike politics,” Chmelár added.
Countries Boycott Russia in Hockey
A coalition of countries, including Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Latvia, and Austria, announced their national teams will not play against Russia as long as the war in Ukraine continues. Canada has also stated Russian players will not be allowed to compete at the junior world championship. The German Ice Hockey Federation, which is set to host the 2027 men’s world championship, warned that the Russian return significantly changes the situation and could bring security, political, and economic consequences, suggesting it might even withdraw from hosting the event.
Swedish company AJ Products said it will not place its logo on the tournament if Russia participates, and Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres noted that continuing its sponsorship under such circumstances would conflict with its values.
NHL star Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild, who has represented Russia in the past, also became entangled in the controversy. After expressing joy over the CAS decision—calling it “a great thing” for all players who want to represent their country—Kaprizov confronted a Finnish reporter who asked for his opinion on the countries refusing to play against Russia. “On that I have no answer. I don’t know,” Kaprizov initially replied. When pressed on whether Russia should be allowed back, Kaprizov grew agitated. “Of course they should. What do you mean, why not? You don’t want Russia to come back?” he asked, according to reporting by Ilta Sanomat. The reporter reminded him of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Kaprizov shut down the conversation. “We are not talking about politics. This is sport,” he said before walking away. A Minnesota Wild spokesperson later approached the journalist, explaining that Kaprizov was uncomfortable and that questions on the topic should be avoided, both before and after games.
What Happens Next
The path for Russian teams to return to international competition remains fraught with uncertainty. While the CAS ruling provides a legal foundation, the practical execution is complicated by the unified stance of several national federations, the threat of a boycott, and the withdrawal of key sponsors. The IIHF has acknowledged these challenges and will need to handle them carefully to organize the 2027 World Championship. The decision on whether Russia will ultimately participate will depend on further negotiations and the IIHF’s ability to address the concerns of its member nations and partners.
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