IIHF investigates admission of Luhansk team to Russian competitions, new sanctions loom for Russia

New investigation against Russia

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has initiated a new review of the activities of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (FHR). The primary reason for the investigation is the inclusion of the "Dizel" team from occupied Luhansk in the list of participants in domestic competitions in Russia.

This was reported by journalist Michal Dushik of the Czech National Broadcasting Company, who published the relevant information on his page on the social network X. According to him, the FHR violated the IIHF statute and the Olympic Charter, as these documents do not recognise the fact of the occupation of Ukrainian regions by the aggressor state.

Context of previous decisions

The outcome of the current review may serve as grounds for the re-exclusion of Russian teams from World Championships. Previously, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne ordered the IIHF to restore the participation of Russian representatives in tournaments. This decision provoked a sharp reaction from European teams, whose players mass-refused to take the ice for matches against Russian athletes.

Additional circumstances

It is worth noting that it later emerged that two judges who ruled in favour of Russia visited Moscow before the hearing. Moreover, the day before, Canada banned Russians from entering the country for the World Junior Championship.

Due to the inclusion of a team from Luhansk among the participants in domestic competitions, Russia faces sanctions.