Russia seeks to return to world hockey: Rothenberg's statement on IIHF

Roman Rothenberg spoke in favor of returning the Russian national team to international competitions

The first vice-president of the Russian Hockey Federation and oligarch Roman Rothenberg told propagandists why the Russian national team needs to return to international competitions under the auspices of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This was reported by 'Glavkom'.

The men's and women's national teams of Russia were not allowed to participate in the 2026 Olympics. Next year, elections will take place for a new president of the IIHF.

«The main task is that the person who comes [to the post of IIHF president] supports different countries, primarily Russia, based on sporting principles, and not for political reasons. Because without Russia in the IIHF, revenues have fallen. The federations of the USA and Canada are positively inclined, while European federations have their own goals. They received the income from the pie that previously went to the Russian national team, meaning they look at everything from a mercantile point of view. Therefore, they do not need Russia from the perspective of revenue distribution,» said the oligarch.

Sanctions against Rothenberg and tournament issues

Rothenberg is under sanctions from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand for supporting the policy of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, which threatens the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.

As reported, Russian freestyler Anastasia Tatalina appealed to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) asking to allow her to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games.

Tatalina is a member of the Russian military club CSKA, an organization directly linked to Russia's military involvement in its brutal aggression against Ukraine.

«I represent Russia, and I was proud when President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin) sent me a telegram after winning the World Championship,» she said in April 2022.

Tatalina liked a post with the Russian military slogan «we don’t leave our own behind.»

The news emphasizes Roman Rothenberg's position on the return of the Russian national team to international competitions and his opinion on the need for different countries to be supported in sporting events. It also discusses the issue of sanctions against Russian athletes and their potential to participate in international tournaments.