Hockey. The French in Russia won’t be chosen for the World Cup.

The president of the French ice hockey federation (FFHG) advised AFP on Monday that it was “extraordinarily sophisticated” to pick out the 2 main gamers of the tricolor choice Stéphane Da Costa and Yohann Auvitu.

They each play in a Russian membership, 9 months from the World Cup-2023.

“Within the present context of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, it appears extraordinarily sophisticated to me to pick out Stéphane (Da Costa, editor’s notice) and Yohann (Avitu, editor’s notice). The World Cup takes place in 9 months. If the state of affairs adjustments, if the Worldwide Federation decides to reintegrate Russia and Belarus into worldwide competitions, then we’ll adapt,” mentioned FFHG president Pierre-Yves Gerbeau on the sidelines of a press briefing organized by the League. Magnus (1st French Division).

Main gamers of the France staff, certified for the 2023 World Cup which is able to happen from Might 12 to 21 in Latvia and Finland, striker Stéphane Da Costa (33) and defender Yohann Auvitu (33) play within the Russian membership Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, within the prestigious KHL league, thought-about the most effective on the earth behind the NHL, the North American league.

In early August, former NHL participant Auvitu selected to go away his Finnish coaching to hitch Da Costa in Nizhnekamsk in central Russia, whereas the Russian and Belarusian leagues and alternatives have been excluded from sports activities organizations for the reason that invasion of Vladimir Putin’s troops in Ukraine on February 24.

An injustice

“Yohann determined to differentiate between politics and sport. He had an financial alternative. Salaries are a lot larger in Russia. For Stéphane, it is completely different. He left three years in the past earlier than the humanitarian tragedy in Ukraine. He wish to return, however has a contract to honor. He thinks it is an injustice,” mentioned Gerbeau.

“With the Nationwide Technical Director, we had constructive discussions with each gamers. They perceive the fragile state of affairs through which the federation is, ”added the president of the FFHG.

In August, the French basketball federation (FFBB) determined to ban French gamers and technicians engaged in a Russian or Belarusian membership. It’s the solely French sports activities physique to have taken such measures.

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