Time to Shake Up the IIHF: Mikhaylov Speaks Out on Russias Exclusion from the 2026 Olympics

Two-time Olympic champion Boris Mikhailov has responded to the exclusion of the Russian national team from the 2026 Olympics.

«I believe it’s time to get rid of the IIHF for good! I’m appalled by the actions of the organization’s head, Tardif. He hails from Canada, where quite a few Ukrainians reside. It seems that the diaspora is influencing him.

As for why Europeans oppose us… it’s because we’re taking their spots. They should just say, instead of Russia and Belarus, let someone else take part. So just write: long live the IIHF — and a little bit of Boris Petrovich,» Mikhailov is quoted by «VseProSport.»

The Russian Olympic Committee plans to contest the exclusion of the Russian ice hockey team from the Olympics in international courts.