Russia Rejects IIHF Transfer Agreement

Russian hockey federation president Vladislav Tretiak.(ATR) Russia has refused to sign a player transfer agreement from the International Ice Hockey Federation.

The new four-year agreement called for the NHL to pay an annual fee of $12 million to the IIHF for up to 60 player transfers, which means a minimum of $200,000 will be allocated for each player. Russia’s hockey clubs want no less than $1 million for their top players.

Russia is the only major hockey country not to be covered by a transfer agreement.

By not signing the agreement, Russian players can now be plucked for NHL teams without compensation.

Despite this lack of protection, Russian hockey federation president Vladislav Tretiak said the Russian clubs rejected the new agreement "almost unanimously”.

Our clubs were not happy with $200,000 for such players as (Evgeni) Malkin or (Alexander) Ovechkin. It's not enough."

Tretiak added the Russia will soon be modifying the labor law that allowed Malkin to break his contract. Currently hockey players are seen the same as other workers and can quit a job with only two weeks notice. Under the new law, all contract terms will be enforced, and must be bought out if a player wants to leave.

"If a player runs away, there will be serious financial reprimands," said Tretiak. "He will think twice about doing it."

IIHF President Rene Fasel says that his federation will continue talks with Russia reach a player transfer agreement.

"I'm always optimistic," he said. “My job in the future will be to try again to bring the hockey family together. I just can promise you we will do so. I will not give up."

Yourbest source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only.