OREANDA-NEWS The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has spoken out about the admission of Russian athletes to international tournaments. This is reported on the IIHF website.

As stated by the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, Luke Tardif, Russia's admission to the competition depends entirely on the safety of athletes and organizers, as well as on the "ability of the IIHF to hold a safe tournament."

The IIHF Council suspended the national teams of Russia and Belarus from international competitions for an indefinite period after the start of a special military operation in Ukraine. In March 2023, the IIHF extended the suspension for the 2023/24 season. At the same time, Tardif announced that the organization's council would consider the admission of the national teams of the two countries in March 2024.

On January 1, Tardif announced four conditions for the return of Russians to international tournaments. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation needs to finally adopt the IIHF rules on international transfers, not allow a hockey player to play when he is suspended, agree with the universal concept of "contract", and also adopt the rules and regulations of the IIHF.