The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) says it is challenging punishment levied against it by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
In a statement, RIHF said it sent a protest letter to the IIHF's disciplinary committee Thursday, challenging decisions made by the IIHF council late last month.
On Feb. 28 the IIHF banned Russia and Belarus from all competitions "until further notice" in response to Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The IIHF also said it would move the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championships out of Russia and award it to another host.
In its statement Friday, the RHIF called the punishments "discriminatory," adding "Banning players from international competition based on nationality fuels intolerance in the media and could lead to divisions within the ice hockey community, which has always been known for its unity."
The IIHF is far from the only sports organization to levy punishments against Russia since the war began. And Russia has unsuccessfully challenged some of those decisions.
Earlier Friday, FIFA said that the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) upheld a decision made by the leading international soccer body to ban Russia from international competition — including the upcoming World Cup. Russia had asked for a freeze on the ban so it could compete in qualifying matches scheduled for later this month, but CAS confirmed FIFA's decision. However, Friday's ruling is still subject to an appeal.
1:16
0:40
0:55
0:52
0:28
COMMENTS
When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.