By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter
August 14, 2023
The International Ice Hockey Federation today announced it has finished its review of the contracts entered into by Ivan Fedotov with, the NHL Philadelphia Flyers and the CSKA Hockey Club of the KHL, to determine if a breach of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations had occurred.
Based on the evidence provided to the IIHF by those involved, the IIHF determined:
That Ivan Fedotov has a valid NHL contract with the Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club for the 2023/2024 season.
Accordingly, the IIHF has determined that Ivan Fedotov was in breach of a Professional Player Contract per Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations when he signed a contract with CSKA hockey club for the 2023/2024 season.
In accordance with Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations, Ivan Fedotov was given two (2) weeks to either go back to his former club (i.e Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club); or obtain a release from his former club.
As neither action occurred within the given period, the IIHF has imposed the following sporting sanctions on Ivan Fedotov:
– A four (4) month suspension on playing in official national and international games during playing periods. The suspension shall take effect on 1 September 2023 (first CSKA regular season game) and conclude on 31 December 2023.
In accordance with the Article II.4.2 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations, it shall be presumed, unless established to the contrary, that any club signing a Player who has breached his Professional Player Contract has induced that Player to commit a breach.
Therefore, as CSKA Hockey Club was aware of the Player’s NHL Contract and did not establish to the IIHF that it has not induced the Player to commit a breach of his Professional Player Contract, the IIHF has imposed the following sporting sanctions on CSKA Hockey Club:
– A one (1) season ban on International Transfers taking effect on 11 August 2023 and concluding on 10 August 2024.
IIHF Press Release
The response by the Kontinental Hockey League was swift and brief:
As for CSKA, their response was swift and defiant expressing disagreement with the decision, considering it biased and will challenge it.
IIHF International Transfer Regulations
- The goal of the International Transfer Regulations with the International Transfer Cards (ITC) is to maintain the worldwide good order of the sport and to protect club teams and players alike.
- The IIHF player transfer program using ITCs is a service to member national associations and performs a key role in the IIHF player eligibility responsibilities for participation in IIHF Championships or Olympic Winter Games competitions.
- Last updated: October 2022
Source: IIHF, CSKA, KHL, Hockey News Hub