French Ministry of Sports: KHL player Da Costa was returned to the national team due to neutrality
The French Ministry of Sports explained why Continental Hockey League (KHL) player Stephane Da Costa was returned to the national team. The ministry’s statement is quoted by L’Équipe.
“Da Costa has been playing in Russia for a long time; his performances there began even before the special operation. His neutrality allows the federation to call him to the national team to participate in the 2024 World Cup,” the statement said. It is noted that, according to the Minister of Sports, Amelie Udea-Castera, each situation must be assessed individually.
Da Costa has been performing in Russia since 2014 (with a break in 2017-2018).
Since 2021, he has been defending the colors of the Ekaterinburg Avtomobilist. The hockey player missed the previous two World Championships due to playing in Russia.
The 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship will be held in Prague and Ostrava from May 10 to 26. The Russian national team has been suspended from all international competitions. A number of European federations also refused to call players from the KHL to their national teams.
Source: Lenta
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