After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country was excluded from the Olympic Games and has not been allowed to participate as a nation since then.
However, Russian athletes have in some cases been allowed to compete as neutral participants. To take part, they have had to show that they do not support Russia's policies or the war.
But on Tuesday, Russia was welcomed back into the Olympic fold by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The change will take effect from the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
“Not possible right now”
Anders Larsson, chairman of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, is critical of the decision.
"Our position is unchanged. It has been the same since the war broke out, we think it is completely wrong for Russian participation in the current situation," he tells TT.
At the same time, Anders Larsson admits that the quality of Russian players in the championships is lacking.
There is no doubt about it, from my side and from ours. We wish from a sporting perspective that Russia could be there. If the war were over, no one would be happier than me and us. It is a great power that is very good at ice hockey and, in a purely sporting sense, they are needed in our championships, but unfortunately that is not possible right now, he says.
Sweden's Sports Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) was furious after Tuesday's announcement. Russia's Sports Minister Mikhail Degtjarev welcomed it.
“The IOC is sending a clear signal, the Olympic movement must be kept free from politics,” Degtjarev wrote on Telegram.
“Stand up for Swedish values”
There is no talk of a boycott from Swedish ice hockey, nor of Russia being welcomed back in the World Cup context.
You have to remember that a boycott can have very far-reaching consequences, because you are basically washed out. In a World Cup context, you are demoted from the higher levels, have to start over at a much lower level and much more. So, no, we should be clear about our opinion, make it known and vote according to it, but a boycott is not on the agenda, says Anders Larsson.
In your role, do you get tired of all the tours?
"These types of issues are things that you would rather not have to deal with. But now the situation is like that, and then it is important to try to handle it as wisely as possible, take responsibility and above all stand up for Swedish principles and values," says Larsson.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has previously announced that the federation will make a decision before each tournament on whether Russia and Russian teams will be allowed to participate.
