IIHF President Advocates for Russia's Return to International Hockey
International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif has publicly stated his desire to reintegrate Russian and Belarusian teams back into global competition, despite Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine entering its fourth year. Speaking at a press conference in Milan ahead of a Winter Olympic hockey match, Tardif emphasized his organization's intention to begin planning for their return.
"We Want Them Back as Soon as Possible"
"We try to keep away the politics from our competition, but sometimes that's not so easy," Tardif acknowledged during the media briefing at Santagiulia Arena. "We want as soon as possible the Belarus and the Russians back. Because first, it will mean that the world will be a little bit better."
The IIHF president explained that his federation follows recommendations from the International Olympic Committee regarding team sports participation. Currently, Russian and Belarusian athletes remain barred from Olympic competition due to the ongoing conflict.
Planning for Reintegration Despite Ongoing Conflict
Tardif revealed that the IIHF has begun preparing for a potential return of Russian and Belarusian teams to under-18 competition during the 2027-28 season. "I think we are working for a first step," he said. "I wish to make this first step try to see what's going on."
The hockey executive described the international hockey community as "the family of IIHF" and expressed his desire to welcome Russia back into that fold. However, he cautioned that timing remains critical: "But bring them too early, it's not going to be for good."
NHL Commissioner Takes Cautious Stance
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, when questioned about Russia's potential participation in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, indicated his league would follow the international community's lead. "We will follow what the international community is doing in terms of athletics," Bettman stated.
"I don't see any need for us to weigh in separately and, frankly, in terms of our game and our players, from wherever they're from, if we can steer clear of geopolitical issues — not just this one but a whole host of others that are going on — I think that's better for the game, better for our players and better for our fans."
Context of Ongoing Exclusion
Russian and Belarusian teams have been excluded from international hockey competitions since Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The ban has persisted as the conflict continues, with Russia maintaining attacks on civilian infrastructure that have left Ukrainian citizens facing severe winter conditions without reliable power.
Tardif's comments come on the same day the IOC disqualified Ukrainian skeleton pilot Vladyslav Heraskevych from the 2026 Winter Olympics for displaying images of deceased Ukrainian athletes on his helmet, highlighting the complex intersection of sports and geopolitics.
The IIHF president's position represents a significant shift in tone from the federation that initially imposed the ban in response to Russia's military actions. While no immediate changes to the exclusion policy have been announced, Tardif's statements indicate the beginning of planning for what he hopes will be eventual reintegration of Russian hockey into the international community.
