IIHF planning to ban Russia from all international hockey competitions
With the ongoing Russian invasion that is happening in Ukraine, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is strongly considering the removal of Russia from all of its upcoming tournaments.
The IIHF will hold a council meeting later today to determine the consequences and impact that such drastic decisions will have on future competitions.
This would be the latest controversy to affect Russian hockey, with Russia having already received a two-year ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency after being caught in state-ran doping scandal. Beginning on December 17, 2020, athletes began serving a two-year ban during which they can't represent Russia in international events, instead having to compete under the ROC designation (Russian Olympic Committee).
The ban also prevents athletes from wearing the Russian flag or hearing the country's national anthem following a win.
The latest IIHF rumblings could be much more catastrophic for the Russian Hockey Federation, with the upcoming bans having an immediate impact on Russia's economy.
The country is set to host the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, which would generate some considerable revenue for both the nation and its hockey federation.
With teams beginning to pull out from Russia's top professional league, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), the IIHF's sanctions could be the latest efforts to penalize Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Initial signs seem to point to Belarus also being banned from international play.
More updates should become available throught the day.
