Two-time Olympic champion, State Duma deputy Vyacheslav Fetisov believes that if he wins the The Russian SMO national team can count on returning with a flag and anthem.
"I think our chances of returning to hockey are minimal. Why should there be another hope? They have been discussing all this for a long time. We will be offered to play in green or purple jerseys, and maybe in rainbow ones. We need to perform at the hockey championships in the jersey of the Russian national team. This is a man's game, and I can't imagine any other options. We have already seen enough white T-shirts with the coat of arms and flag [OCD]. It is unclear how the decision will be made now. What needs to happen for us to be returned with a flag and an anthem? We will win in SMO — and everything will fall into place, " the legendary hockey player is sure.
Meanwhile, the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Luc Tardif told under what circumstances the national teams of Russia and Belarus can count on admission to international tournaments.
IIHF suspended the national teams of Russia and Belarus in the spring of 2022 due to SMO on Ukraine. The issue of their possible return will be considered at the next council of the organization in February-March 2025.
"As for the Olympic Games, this is the decision of the IOC. So far, the activities of the Russian Olympic Committee are still suspended. My exact suggestions: I hope that Russia and Belarus will return to us soon, because this will mean that the conflict is over. The context will be more convenient to return. The IIHF does not want to risk our competitions. It is also necessary that the RIHF adopt the IIHF rules. Remember that the international transfer process is still ongoing. Russia has to do some of the work. As for other federations: they have their own context in which they make their own decisions. Hockey is a team sport, it is different from others, and the IIHF is used to making its own decisions," Match TV quotes Tardif's opinion.
In turn, two-time Olympic hockey champion Boris Mayorov admitted that he was skeptical about the words of Luke Tardif about the desire for the speedy return of the Russian national team.:
"I don't really believe in these statements. I am absolutely sure that until SMO is over, there will be no admission. This is the current position of the IIHF, which is headed by Tardif. Moreover, a congress was recently held, representatives of our hockey wanted to go to it, but they were refused. What can we talk about then? All these are just words. Tardif wants to be kind. Allegedly, he seeks to return Russia, but it does not work.
In the same NHL, 70 Russians play — and nothing. There are no excesses, there are no questions about security. Everyone is watching Ovechkin — will Gretzky break the record or not. American scouts come here to see Demidov in action. Everything is fine, everything is calm. The NHL is a kind of example for the IIHF, they don't pay attention to the passport. And here, you see, there are problems with security, everything can turn into a tragedy."
And the deputy of the State Duma, Olympic champion Svetlana Zhurova believes that the active position of American and Canadian fans can help with the admission of the Russian national ice hockey team to the Olympic Games of 2026.:
"It was difficult to expect that the FIS would admit Russian athletes now, given the anti-Russian sentiments there. They are consistent in their position. So far, only the International Skating Union (ISU) is positive about winter sports. Maybe bobsleigh will also be allowed soon, we also have good relations with the international federation in this sport.
Of course, I would very much like our hockey players to be admitted to the Olympics. Without them, the Olympic tournament will lose a lot.
I believe that American and Canadian fans could actively express their opinion in favor of our admission. And it could help us, the International Ice Hockey Federation can listen. I have seen several videos where Americans say they are waiting for the Russian national ice hockey team at the Olympics. They are already excited about which NHL stars the Russian team will be formed from."