FHR intends to appeal to CAS against Russians' suspension from competitions

MOSCOW. March 1 (Interfax) - The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (FHR) condemns the International Ice Hockey Federation's (IIHF) decision to suspend Russians from participating in the competitions under its aegis due to the situation in Ukraine, the FHR press service said on Tuesday.

"The Russian Ice Hockey Federation views this decision as discriminatory and contrary to the spirit of sport. Sport has always served the purpose of uniting the peoples of different countries and continents, regardless of any differences and disagreements. This decision could set back the development of ice hockey for decades due to the split in the ice hockey community," the statement said.

"The FHR categorically disagrees with the IIHF Council's decision and reserves the right to appeal it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport," the press service said.

The day before, the IIHF decided to withdraw the FHR's right to host the World Junior Championship in 2023 and suspend Russian national teams and clubs from participating in IIHF competitions until "the military operation in Ukraine is over."