yesterday 21:23
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The International Hockey Federation (IIHF) excluded Russia and Belarus from this year’s World Cup on Monday. At the championship in Finland (May 13-29), Russia was to be Slovakia’s first opponent in the Helsinki A-Group on the opening day. Russia also lost its organizing rights to the next World Cup players under the age of 20 (December 26, 2022 to January 5, 2023).
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The IIHF Council decided on this at an extraordinary meeting on Monday in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is also supported by Belarus. The penalty applies to all Russian and Belarusian national teams in all ages and in all IIHF competitions. The exclusion applies until further notice, in the case of junior World Championships, the umbrella organization began looking for a new host.
“The IIHF is not a political entity and cannot influence developments regarding the war in Ukraine. However, we have a duty to ensure the safe running of our events for all participants. We were indescribably shocked by the pictures that come from Ukraine. I am in close contact with the representatives of the local hockey federation. On behalf of the Ukrainians, we hope that this conflict will be resolved peacefully and without further violence. ” said the president of the IIHF Luc Tardif on the official website.
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Finland has previously announced that it will not allow Russia or Belarus to start at the World Cup. Through her president, the home association Harri Nummel, she also demanded the exclusion of both countries from international competitions.
“We actively discussed over the weekend and we also had a meeting with IIHF President Luc Tardiff. We have said that the Finnish Hockey Association demands that Russia and Belarus be completely excluded from international hockey activities and that we do not intend to play against the national teams of these countries. We also said that it is not possible for Russia and Belarus to take part in the May World Championships in Tampere and Helsinki, “ stated Nummela.
On Monday, Finland also held talks with representatives of Sweden and the Czech Republic about excluding Russia from the Euro Hockey Tour tournaments.
Little brother, close the gate. It was an evening full of emotions at the Slavia Prague stadium:
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