Koziols Questions Objectivity of CAS Ruling on Russia as IIHF Disputes Judges' Neutrality

Viesturs Koziols, a member of the council of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), has sharply criticised a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the case concerning Russia's return to international ice hockey competitions. He believes the outcome requires a review of the existing arrangements, and he plans to propose convening an extraordinary IIHF congress to discuss changes to the arbitration system.

The IIHF, which governs hockey worldwide, submitted an argument of more than 40 pages to the court in an effort to prevent Russia from returning to international competitions. CAS nevertheless issued a decision that has caused serious turmoil within the federation.

Doubts about the judges and the differing approach

Speaking on the programme "D sektors", Koziols described the arguments the IIHF used in the proceedings. He also said he does not understand CAS's differing approach to the questions of Russia and Belarus. In addition, questions have arisen about judges who took part in conferences in Moscow.

Koziols stressed, however, that he cannot claim the judges broke any rules, but said certain circumstances raise serious doubts about their neutrality.

Mood within the federation council

Koziols described the atmosphere in the IIHF council: no member has expressed support for the CAS decision, but reaching consensus on what to do next is becoming increasingly difficult.

International hockey has reached a point where it must consider not only the Russia question but also the reliability of the system itself.