KHL Statement on the CAS ruling over the Eligibility of Russian National Teams

The KHL welcomes the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision to allow Russian hockey teams to compete in international tournaments. We congratulate the Russian Hockey Federation and the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation on their success in this significant case regarding the return of Russian hockey to the international arena. This is an important verdict, which gives extra motivation to our players and coaches, and allows the global hockey community to return to its normal operations.

Right now it is premature to talk of possible changes to the schedule. Once all the details are finalized, the KHL will consult with the Russian Hockey Federation over the process to take KHL players for international tournaments.

The league would be delighted if the young players who are impressing in the KHL could play at the World Juniors for the first time in six years. That tournament starts on Dec. 26. On Dec. 22, we celebrate 80 years of hockey in our country and on that day we play the final games in our First Teams’ Cup. It would be a wonderful gift for our fans to see our U20 National Team playing in the World Championship once more.