Vitaly Mutko

© Vitaly Nevar/TASS

KRASNODAR, March 23. /TASS/. The position of the National hockey League (NHL) regarding the participation of its players in the Olympic games 2018 contains an element of deceit. The journalists said the Vice-Premier of the Russian Federation Vitaly Mutko.

The international ice hockey Federation (IIHF) and international Olympic Committee (IOC) are in talks with the NHL and the players ‘ Union on the participation of hockey players of League in the Olympics in 2018 in South Korea’s Pyeongchang. At the moment the agreement on this issue has not been achieved.

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“This issue is not yet closed, it is discussed and the IOC, the IIHF, the question of insurance and a reasonable price, that’s all. The NHL is a commercial League, and they stop for some period of time is a loss, the conversation is in business . The players are the capitalization, but when they’re playing in major tournaments – this is also their capitalization: new names, famous players increases. I think this side should look,” – said Mutko.

“In their position there is a twist, because the Olympics is the Olympics, a tournament in significance above the NHL. Capitalization NHL high, but I think we can negotiate with sponsors and partners. Let’s remember the Olympic games in Vancouver, then the game has overshadowed all the glittered stars. Here are a few politics smells, but do not want to go into this,” said Deputy Prime Minister.

Previously, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman admitted that the hockey League will not go to the Olympic tournament in connection with the losses that the NHL will suffer because of the pause in the regular season for two weeks, and due to the potential injuries of players. Later Vice-President of League bill Daly said that the NHL has not yet given a definitive answer on the participation of its players in the Games in 2018.

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