Russian Ice Hockey Federation president Vladislav Tretiak cannot run for president of the International Ice Hockey Federation due to State Duma travel restrictions. Two-time Olympic champion Vyacheslav Fetisov had proposed nominating Tretiak for the role.
Tretiak explained that his status as a State Duma deputy restricted from traveling abroad prevents him from entering the race. The International Ice Hockey Federation election is scheduled for early October, with eight candidates from various countries on the candidate list.
Tretiak, a three-time Olympic champion who has led the Russian Ice Hockey Federation for about 20 years, also criticized the governing body's ban on Russian players. Speaking to RIA Novosti, he said the International Ice Hockey Federation was making a mistake by excluding Russian athletes from international competitions.
International Competition Restrictions
The International Ice Hockey Federation council rejected a request at the end of July to return Russian national teams to tournaments for the 2026/27 season. That ruling came despite the International Olympic Committee executive board temporarily restoring the Russian Olympic Committee's status and lifting restrictions on Russian athletes on July 7.
Tretiak noted that the International Olympic Committee provides funds for ice hockey development and pays significant money to the international federation for Olympic participation. He added that he believes the Olympic committee monitors how federations follow its guidance and said he remains hopeful for the future.
