Flyers' Fedotov sanctioned for “breach of contract”

This just in, the IIHF has sanctioned Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ivan Fedotov what it calls "breach of Professional Player Contract". 

Fedotov, a 26 year old who was chosen by the Flyers in the 7th round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft had signed a contract with CSKA in the KHL for the 2023-24 season despite already having a deal in place with the Flyers. The Flyers' appealed to the IIHF to sort things out and to free their goaltender up for playing in North America this upcoming season, leading to today's sanctions.

Details from the IIHF:

The International Ice Hockey Federation has reviewed the contracts entered into by Ivan Fedotov with, respectively the NHL and CSKA Hockey Club, to determine if a breach of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations has occurred.

Based on the evidence provided to the IIHF by the involved parties, the IIHF has determined that Ivan Fedotov has a valid NHL Contract with the Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club for the 2023/2024 season. Accordingly, the IIHF has determined that Ivan Fedotov was in breach of a Professional Player Contract per Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations when he signed a contract with CSKA hockey club for the 2023/2024 season.

- IIHF

So, because Fedotov and CSKA breached IIHF International Transfer Regulations, the IIHF has sanctioned both the player and the team.

Fedotov is looking at a four month suspension from IIHF events, while CSKA is looking at a one year ban on International Transfers.

More from IIHF:

In accordance with Article II.4.1 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations, Ivan Fedotov was given two (2) weeks to either go back to his former club (i.e Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club); or obtain a release from his former club. As neither action occurred within the given period, the IIHF has imposed the following sporting sanctions on Ivan Fedotov:

- A four (4) month suspension on playing in official national and international games during playing periods. The suspension shall take effect on 1 September 2023 (first CSKA regular season game) and conclude on 31 December 2023.
 
In accordance with the Article II.4.2 of the IIHF International Transfer Regulations, it shall be presumed, unless established to the contrary, that any club signing a Player who has breached his Professional Player Contract has induced that Player to commit a breach. Therefore, as CSKA Hockey Club was aware of the Player’s NHL Contract and did not establish to the IIHF that it has not induced the Player to commit a breach of his Professional Player Contract, the IIHF has imposed the following sporting sanctions on CSKA Hockey Club:

- A one (1) season ban on International Transfers taking effect on 11 August 2023 and concluding on 10 August 2024.

- IIHF

It remains to be seen what happens with Fedotov this upcoming season. Stay tuned.