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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Tuesday that Russian teams will be banned from 2026 Winter Olympics, Officially closes the door for NHL star Alex Ovechkin.
The IOC issued a statement following comments from Luc Tardif, president of International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin, #8, celebrates after scoring a goal in his third term at Capital One Arena over Buffalo Sabres goaltender James Raymer (#47). (amber searls-imagn image)
“The IOC Executive Committee recommendations remain from March 2023 on a team of athletes with Russian passports,” the statement read. via Reuters.
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“Based on the fact that by definition a group of individual neutral athletes cannot be considered a team. Please note that the IIHF has confirmed that this recommendation is followed.”
On the final day of the weekend’s IIHF World Championships, Tardif was asked about the possibility that Russian athletes will compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics. He said that although no final decision was made, the IOC believes it will continue to maintain that ban.
The NHL allowed me to participate in the 2014 Olympics. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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“Recently they asked us to send them a schedule without Russia, so that’s where we are,” Tardif said. thehockeynews.com. “The official statement is pending, but the IOC has told us that they are informing the Russian Olympic Committee that they are not participating in the Olympics.”
The ban was introduced following the complete Ukraine invasion that began in February 2022, four days after the Beijing Winter Games closed. Several athletes were able to participate in the Parisio Philosophy as neutral athletes following the judgement process.
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NHL Last year, players announced that they will be able to compete for the first time in the 2026 and 2030 games for the first time since 2014, but the announcement on Tuesday closed the door to Russian players who want to compete, including Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.
Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin will respond in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, February 23, 2025, during the first period of the NHL hockey game with the Edmonton Oilers. (AP Photo/Nick Was, File)
Earlier this month, four Russian figure skaters were approved for qualifications by the International Skating Union to compete as neutral athletes. Russian skaters were not approved to compete in the field of ice dancing with the pair.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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