Finland's national ice hockey team will refuse to play against Russia as long as Moscow's war against Ukraine continues, said Finnish Ice Hockey Association chairman Heikki Hietanen. The decision follows a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must allow Russia to return to international competition immediately.

Hietanen said the association would do everything possible to keep Russia out of international tournaments. Finland has sought a common position with other Nordic countries and major Central European hockey nations, with the aim of a joint boycott of games against Russia.

Finland's sports minister, Mika Poutala, welcomed the country's stance, and believed Russia would not take part in the world championship in Germany next spring. Emma Terho described the Finnish position as firm and called on other countries to join it.

Kernpunkte:

• Finland's national ice hockey team will refuse to play against Russia while its war against Ukraine continues.
• Finnish Ice Hockey Association chairman Heikki Hietanen said Monday that the association would do everything possible to prevent Russia from participating in international tournaments.
• The CAS ruled Friday that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must allow Russia to return to international competition immediately.

Quelle: Anadolu Agency (Türkei) (Englisch)