Hockey Russian Hockey Federation and René Fasel do not accept the shelf: “Discriminatory and against the spirit of sport”

Russian The Hockey Association (RIHF) released on Tuesday opinion, where it vehemently opposes the country’s shelving from international hockey until August. The shelf applies to the Men’s World Championships in Tampere and Helsinki, among other places.

International Hockey Federation (IIHF) boat On the exclusion of Russia and Belarus on Monday.

The RIHF considers the decision to be discriminatory and against the spirit of sport.

“Sport has always served to unite people from different countries and continents, despite their differences. Such a decision could postpone the development of hockey for decades due to the division of the hockey community, ”the statement said.

The RIHF intends to appeal the decision to the Arbitration Court for Sport (CAS).

Also Former Chairman of the IIHF René Faselwhich has close relations with, among others, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, opposes shelving. Fasel commented on the matter on a Russian sports site on Monday Campionatille before the formal decision of the IIHF.

“This is a sad moment in the history of the IIHF. Even during the Cold War, the Soviet Union played with the United States and Canada, ”Fasel said.

Fasel said he hopes the people will find a common language and solution to Ukraine’s state of war.

“War is never the answer, but sport should never be used as punishment.”