The National Hockey League (NHL) is poised to follow the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) stance on Russia and Belarus in the lead-up to the 2028 World Cup. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated on Thursday that the league would align with the international community’s decisions regarding the participation of these nations in the upcoming tournament.
IIHF’s Position on Russia and Belarus
Luc Tardif, the president of the IIHF, expressed his desire for Russia and Belarus to return to international competition as soon as possible. Tardif believes that their participation would indicate a positive shift in global circumstances.
Background of the Ban
- Russia has been banned from IIHF competitions since 2022.
- This ban was a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, a team representing Russia won silver under the banner of the Russian Olympic Committee, due to prior sanctions stemming from a doping scandal in 2014.
- Russia did not participate in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off held in February 2023.
- This event marked the first best-on-best international men’s hockey competition since 2014.
- No Russian teams were able to compete in the Milano-Cortina Olympics, although some athletes participated as neutral competitors in individual sports.
With the 2028 World Cup on the horizon, the NHL’s decision will be crucial in determining the future involvement of Russia and Belarus in international hockey competitions. Stakeholders are watching closely as the IIHF navigates its policies in a complex geopolitical landscape.
