Foto: BB.LV / Робертс Плявейс
At the same time, it remains unclear how the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will implement the court's decision, reports the program [TV3](https://tv3.lv/sports/hokejs/latvija-pret-krieviju-nespeles-ari-pec-arbitrazas-lemuma-uzsver-lhf/) "900 seconds." ### "We are shocked and disappointed" The decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport to allow Russian hockey players back into international competition has elicited an unexpected reaction from the Latvian Hockey Federation. LHF Secretary General Roberts Plavejs acknowledged that this outcome of the legal proceedings came as a surprise to many in the hockey community. > "This decision was completely unexpected, and we, like the rest of the world, are shocked and disappointed by such a final result," he stated on TV3. According to Plavejs, the arbitration decision is practically impossible to contest. However, this does not mean that the Russian teams can automatically return to the upcoming World Championships without additional organizational decisions. It is still unknown what specific actions the International Ice Hockey Federation will take. > "As of today, we have no signs of which direction this ship will start to turn," noted the LHF representative. ### Latvia does not intend to play against Russia and Belarus Despite the CAS decision, the position of the Latvian Hockey Federation remains unchanged. Plavejs emphasized that the Latvian side will adhere to current legislation and does not plan to hold matches against the Russian and Belarusian national teams. > "We will definitely act within what is permitted, and at this moment we do not plan to play against the Russians or Belarusians," said the LHF Secretary General. Thus, even if the Russian team finds itself among the participants of the World Championship again, it does not mean that the Latvian national team will agree to take the ice against them. At the same time, the federation's final actions will depend on the rules and procedures established by the IIHF. ### Possible consequence — technical defeat One of the most complex questions is what will happen if Latvia and Russia find themselves as opponents in an international tournament. Preliminary estimates suggest that the Latvian team's refusal to play could lead to a technical defeat. However, the LHF acknowledges that the situation is practically unprecedented for international hockey. Therefore, it cannot be said with certainty whether the consequences will be limited to the technical result of one match or if additional sanctions will arise. The federation will have to wait for clarifications from the IIHF before assessing all possible scenarios. ### It will be extremely difficult to return Russia for the upcoming championship In addition to political and legal issues, the return of Russian teams creates serious organizational problems. Plavejs reminded that the preparation for World Championships begins several years before the tournaments take place. Group compositions, match schedules, participant accommodations, ticket sales, and television broadcast conditions are determined in advance. If another team needs to be added to an already established system, the organizers will have to reconsider a number of agreements. > "Inclusion of one country into a championship system developed two to three years before its conduct, in my opinion, is practically impossible," believes Plavejs. Thus, even with an arbitration decision, its practical implementation may prove to be significantly more complicated than the formal restoration of the right to participate. ### Other federations are also not rushing to support Russia The Latvian Hockey Federation maintains contacts with colleagues from other countries, discussing the possible consequences of the CAS decision. According to Plavejs, there is no support for the return of Russian teams to international competitions during these discussions. > "This decision has in no way changed the position of countries regarding the war initiated by Russia in Ukraine," he emphasized. At the same time, the lack of support for Russia's return does not mean that all national federations have already agreed on a joint boycott or other specific actions. For now, it is primarily about maintaining previous positions. ### What will happen next The key decision now lies with the International Ice Hockey Federation, which must determine the procedure for implementing the arbitration ruling. This will affect the composition of participants in future championships, possible changes to the tournament system, and the consequences of individual national teams refusing to play against Russia. Latvia, for its part, does not intend to abandon its established approach to matches with Russian and Belarusian teams. However, a final assessment of the sports and legal consequences of this position can only be made after the IIHF presents a specific mechanism for further actions.
