RIHF statement concerning the decision of the IIHF Council

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has decided to revoke the Russian Ice Hockey Federation's (RIHF) right to host the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship and to suspend all Russian national teams and clubs from participating in IIHF competitions until further notice.

In its statement, the IIHF announced that these particular decisions have been made in order to ensure the safety of IIHF championships and all players, officials and fans.

The RIHF considers this decision to be discriminatory and contrary to the spirit of the sport. Sport has always served the purpose of uniting people from different countries and continents, regardless of any differences and disagreements. Such a decision can roll back the development of ice hockey to decades ago due to the split of the ice hockey community.

The RIHF strongly disagrees with the decision of the IIHF Council and reserves the right to submit an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.