IIHF dismisses appeal submitted by Flyers’ prospect Ivan Fedotov, CSKA Moscow

Credit: © George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports

International hockey’s governing body has denied appeals from by one of the Kontinental Hockey League’s biggest franchises, and one of its goaltenders.

On Saturday, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) dismissed appeals from CSKA Moscow and goaltender Ivan Fedotov against the IIHF’s decision to hand the team and player sanctions for breach of the international transfer regulations.

Fedotov, who was detained in his home country of Russia last year for allegedly evading military service, was scheduled to join the Philadelphia Flyers this season, after signing to play for the team in 2022-23.

However, Fedotov signed a contract to return to CSKA Moscow for the 2023-24 campaign, breaching the IIHF’s rules about international transfers.

The organization handed down a four-month suspension to Fedotov, and a one-season ban on international transfers against CSKA.

The independent IIHF Disciplinary Board dismissed the appeals, determining that Fedotov’s contract with the Flyers was valid, and that it was clearly breached.

Also, the Deciding Panel pointed out that CSKA “did induce Mr. Fedotov to breach his [Standard Player Contract] with the Philadelphia Flyers by signing Mr. Fedotov to a contract with CSKA when it knew or ought to have known that Mr. Fedotov’s contract with the Philadelphia Flyers was tolled.”

“We welcome the decision of the independent IIHF Disciplinary Board,” said IIHF President Luc Tardif in a release. “Which supports the IIHF’s firm belief that all professional player contracts must be respected.”

Fedotov is not going to be allowed to play with his team, or in any national or international competition, until the end of the calendar year, while CSKA is unable to sign any international transfers until Aug. 10, 2024.

The 26-year-old was one of the top goaltenders at the 2022 Olympics with the Russian Olympic Committee, and was named the KHL’s top netminder for the 2021-22 season. Fedotov was originally drafted 188th overall by Philadelphia in 2018, and became a highly-touted prospect after strong seasons in Moscow.