The unexpected decision of the International Hockey Federation (IIHF) not to allow the Israeli national team before participating in the World Youth Championship in the third division led to a completely predictable outcome. The organization under the leadership of Luc Tardif had a few days to change the verdict and allow them to compete at the tournament.
Just look at the chronology of events that took place within a week:
- January 10The IIHF announced the suspension of Israel from all tournaments under the auspices of the federation due to concerns about the safety of participants;
- January 12The IIHF makes clarifications and claims that these measures apply only to the Israeli “youth” and a specific tournament, which was supposed to be held in Israel at the end of the month, but was moved to Bulgaria;
- January 13The NHL and the League Players Association strongly criticize the IIHF and demand the speedy admission of Israeli hockey players “unfairly excluded from participation in competitions in which they are eligible and qualified”;
- January 17The IIHF allows Israel to participate in the youth world championship, citing the receipt of security guarantees from the Bulgarian Ministry of Sports and the local Olympic Committee.
Hardly anyone doubted that the federation “named after Luc Tardif” would do just that, unable to bear it pressure from the NHL. Let’s even omit the fact that Israeli hockey players historically had no relation to the league – we have already written about this and were indignant at the lack of a similar reaction from the NHL towards Russia and Belarus, of which there are quite a lot of representatives.
But even taking into account the fact that the “deflection” of the IIHF was expected, this does not make it any less funny.
Firstly, with such behavior the federation does not even hide the fact that it is under the influence of third parties and accepts decisions not independently, but at their direction. This was obvious earlier. But the circus with the Israelis became a clear reflection of the whole situation.
Secondly, the IIHF functionaries look especially clown-like when explaining certain decisions. Both in the case of the removal of Russia and Belarus from international tournaments, and with the ban of Israel, the international federation referred to some kind of security.
Let's start with the fact that such an argument in itself speaks of the incompetence of the IIHF. Are you afraid that the organizers will not be able to ensure the safety of participants? So the tournaments are held under your auspices. You must be responsible for this very security. And if you can’t do this, then why are you holding international tournaments at all? By this logic, security is not guaranteed for any of the participants in your championships.
Well, let’s continue with the fact that for Israel, the IIHF achieved security in just a couple of days after it received a “stick” from the NHL. With regard to Russia and Belarus, the international federation has not been able to resolve the issue for almost two years. Or does he simply not want to do this?
The silence of Luc Tardif is indicative. The IIHF President reads messages with relevant questions, but tactfully does not answer them. He probably still understands that he and his colleagues right now look like ordinary clowns.
The author’s opinion may not coincide with the position of the editors
Recent Comments