Decision to ban Belarusian teams from int'l competitions at odds with IIHF Charter - Belarus' ice hockey authority

MINSK. March 1 (Interfax) - The decision adopted by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to ban Belarusian teams from participating in international tournaments completely contravenes the IIHF Charter, the Ice Hockey Federation of Belarus said.

"We, as a sports organization, are deeply convinced that the mission of sport and ice hockey in particular, is to unite people, foster friendship, the spirit of fair play and unity, especially in difficult times, rather than divide people by adopting unjust and discriminatory decisions, which directly run counter to the IIHF Charter," the Ice Hockey Federation of Belarus said in a statement.

"It is obvious" that Belarusian athletes are not involved in the armed conflict, it said.

"Therefore, despite the absurdity and unsportsmanlike nature of the decision adopted by the IIHF, the Ice Hockey Federation of Belarus will continue working to promote ice hockey in the country and to offer all of its athletes equal opportunities for professional growth and development," it said.