Official statement concerning the Evgeny Kuznetsov ban

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) informed the RIHF that a banned substance was found in the doping test of ice hockey player Evgeny Kuznetsov, an offence which has been punished with a four-year ban. The start date of the ban is 13 June 2019. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation has always opposed, and will continue to oppose, the use of banned substances in sport. In RIHF national teams, events are regularly held which emphasize the need to comply with anti-doping rules. When joining the national team, athletes are constantly monitored by specialists, so the usage of banned substances when with the Russian national team is not possible.

The RIHF will closely monitor developments and will take all necessary measures in accordance with WADA, the all-Russian anti-doping rules and the IIHF requirements.