The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) is challenging sanctions imposed by the IIHF over the country's invasion of Ukraine.

The IIHF announced last month that Russia and Belarus are banned indefinitely from international play and relocated upcoming events scheduled to take place in the two countries.

The RIHF said the punishments are "discriminatory."

"Banning players from international competition based on nationality fuels intolerance in the media and could lead to divisions within the ice hockey community, which has always been known for its unity," the RIHF's statement said.

Russia has also been sanctioned by other sports authorities such as FIFA and UEFA.

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