"Down the throat": apparently, we are overboard of the Olympics-2026, Trump and Erdogan are still silent

This has never happened before, and here it is again! President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Luc Tardif said that the IOC has requested from the IIHF the schedule and composition of groups without the participation of the Russian national team for the 2026 Olympics.

"The decision is made by the International Olympic Committee, not the IIHF. The IOC has requested from the IIHF the schedule and composition of groups without Russia's participation at the Milan Olympics," RIA Novosti quoted Tardif as saying.

Earlier in Latvia it was reported that the decision to suspend the Russian national team from the upcoming Olympic Games was made at the IIHF Congress in Stockholm on the basis of correspondence with the IOC.

As EADaily reported yesterday, later the press service of the Russian Hockey Federation (FHR) issued a refutation of the information of the Balts.

In turn, the well—known Russian TV presenter and sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev, without his inherent enthusiasm and confidence in the future, assessed Russia's chances of participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.:

"I'm tired of believing in something already. Now the disposition is such that we are missing this Olympiad together, because there are no relevant decisions and agreements at other more important venues yet. I think our chances of participating in the Olympics in all sports are minimal, almost negligible.

And we are preparing once again, for the fourth season, even the fourth and a half to spend the winter in Russia. This applies to hockey, skiing, biathlon and everything else. Missing the Olympics is a loss for all sports. Hockey is no exception. We have missed four World Championships, which is now ending without us. There will be a fifth, apparently. Well, let's see."

Honored figure skating coach of the USSR Tatyana Tarasova, as before, asks questions to which there is no answer:

"This decision does not surprise me. How would they let the hockey team in? They don't let anyone in. This speaks about the injustice of the world, the injustice of the people who lead world sport. Their violation of the rules does not concern them in any way. They decide the destinies of countries, people, and athletes. Why doesn't anyone write what exactly we are not allowed to do? Why doesn't anyone ask such a question? By what decision are we suspended? By what decision are other countries admitted? They discredit the country. Let them talk about it. It's ugly, but I want to know why they don't allow it?"

Olympic champion, State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova yesterday, on May 23, when the information of the Latvian media that Russian hockey players would not be allowed to attend the Games was recklessly refuted in the FHR, she stated sternly:

"The Latvian media have wishful thinking. The organizers definitely want to see our national team at the Olympics, I have no doubt about that. But, unfortunately, a number of countries are against it. And the same Latvians, why have they become so active — because according to the law they cannot play with us in team competitions, then they need to repeal the law. This is a fundamental moment for them — if we are going to the Olympics, then they are not going. And this is critical for them, so now they will make waves in every possible way, as long as our people don't go.

I really don't know what kind of punishment they will have for violation, but the fact itself is a very "democratic" law. It is even surprising why the Council of Europe did not respond to this. Such a discriminatory law that violates the rights of their own athletes. It is clear that they are shouting at the whole world — that's how we treat the situation. But it's not a matter of passing a law, depriving athletes of their rights, where it fits."

We are waiting for new revelations from Svetlana Sergeevna and the final verdict of the IOC and IIHF. In the meantime, the legendary striker of the Russian national team and Washington, the owner of the prestigious NHL award "Mark Messier Prize — for leadership in the 2024/25 season" Alexander Ovechkin says:

"Nothing depends on us. It depends on the IOC — will they allow it or not… It is an honor for every athlete to play for the national team of his country. If the opportunity presents itself, of course I would like to play."

Recall that the Russian ice hockey teams have been suspended from international competitions since 2022. On February 4, the IIHF Council decided to extend the non-admission of our teams of all ages to competitions under its auspices for the 2025/26 season.