Russia wants IIHF WC 2014 in Belarus

Days after European Parliament request to move the 2014 World Championship from Belarus, Executive Director of the Russian Hockey Federation, Valeri Fesyuk stated that the RHF will not listen the recommendations of the European Parliament.

"In my opinion, Belarus earned the right to host World Hockey Championship after a tough struggle. Entire Belarusian nation loves hockey, and no one has the right to rob this special moment. We have always adhered to the principle - the sport out from politics. Hockey - it's an honest, open struggle"- said Fesyuk.

Also Vyacheslav Bykov,  former CSKA Moscow and Russia headcoach, confirmed the Russian Hockey Federation does not support the idea of the European Parliament to move the World Championship in 2014 from Belarus, and the IIHF will never agree to such a step because isn't in its rules to mix politics and sport.

"I spoke with IIHF president Rene Fasel, and he expressed the opinion that politics and sport can't be mixed. I am sure the IIHF World Championship will be in Belarus. I think local federations and their leaders will not be able to put some pressure on Fasel. I think sport philosophy will win - said Bykov