President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Luc Tardif said he wants Russia and Belarus to return to international competition, stressing that such a move would signal the end of the war. He made the remarks at a press conference held today, February 12, The Hockey News reported.
Russia and Belarus have been suspended from international competitions since 2022 following the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to Tardif, he hopes the teams will be able to take part in the 2030 Olympic Games.
“We want Belarus and Russia to return as soon as possible,” Tardif said. “Because, first of all, it would mean that the world is a little better.”
The issue of Russia’s possible participation in the 2028 Hockey World Cup, which is organized by the NHL and is not an IIHF-sanctioned tournament, remains open. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league would look to the position of the international sports community, including the IIHF and the International Olympic Committee.
“We will monitor what the international community in sports is doing,” he said. “I don’t see a need to comment separately on this. Frankly, from the standpoint of our sport and our players — regardless of where they come from — I believe that for our sport and for our fans it would be better if we could stay away from geopolitical issues, not only this one but a whole range of others.”