International ice hockey boss calls for controversial return of banned giants

Luc Tardif, the head of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), has expressed his desire for Russia and Belarus to return to international competition "as soon as possible".

Both national teams have been exiled from the global stage since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

Speaking at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the 72-year-old administrator made his stance clear regarding the future of the sport.

"We want as soon as possible Belarus and the Russians back," said Tardif.

Restoring competition quality

Tardif, who assumed the presidency in 2021, argued that the reintegration of these nations is essential for the standard of play.

He suggested that their presence would ensure the "World Championships will be a little bit better".

The comments arrive at a time of heightened tension surrounding sporting sanctions and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.

Ukrainian athlete disqualified

The remarks from the ice hockey chief coincided with a significant controversy involving a Ukrainian winter sports athlete.

Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the men’s skeleton event for refusing to remove a helmet depicting athletes killed during the war.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled that the 27-year-old had violated guidelines concerning ‘athlete expression’.

Heraskevych described the decision as the "price of our dignity", while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the stance as aiding the aggressors.

The skeleton slider previously made headlines at the Beijing Games by displaying a "No War in Ukraine" banner just days before the full-scale invasion commenced.