Russia unlikely to compete in World Cup if war persists
The National Hockey League has clarified that the Russian team will likely not participate in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey should their invasion of Ukraine continue as final decisions are made, according to league commissioner Gary Bettman who stated this during a press conference on March 19th while noting Russia's recent withdrawal from Olympic consideration.
Key Points
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1The National Hockey League has not yet confirmed which nations will participate in the upcoming 2028 World Cup of Hockey.
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2NHL officials stated that Russia is unlikely to be invited if its invasion of Ukraine continues at final decision time.
Developments
Perspectives
Russia is unlikely to participate in the upcoming World Cup of Hockey if its invasion of Ukraine continues, according to league officials.
— [Mar 18, 20:09] Leijonien osallistuminen huipputurnaukseen vaakalaudalla? NHL-pomoilta suora vastaus (Iltalehti.fi)"NHL says Russia 'likely not' to be in the World Cup of Hockey if war continues, as league commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy Bill Daly clarified their position.
— [Mar 18, 20:45] NHL says Russia likely will NOT participate (Reddit)"Ryssland kan stoppas från World Cup" based on reports of a Swedish boycott threat against the Russian team due to ongoing conflict in Ukraine."
— [Mar 18, 20:45] Efter uppgifterna om svenskt bojkottshot (Svt.se)"Suomi ulos jääkiekon superturnauksesta?" with NHL executives discussing the potential exclusion of Finland from a major tournament.
— [Mar 18, 20:45] Suomi ulos jäa˛iekkon (Is.fi)"Rusové rēsi Sveṭovy pohař" where Russia is unable to even participate in the World Cup of Hockey.
— [Mar 19, 20:45] Nicemni Cesi. Rusove resi Svetovy pohar (Aktualne.cz)NHL officials stated that Russia is unlikely to participate if its invasion of Ukraine continues when final decisions for the World Cup are made. While no formal declarations from Russian federations have been submitted, league leaders confirmed they align with other nations who would exclude them under similar conditions regarding ongoing hostilities in 2014-2035 sports events