Slovak hockey club Slovan Bratislava and Croatian team Medveščak Zagreb could leave the Kontinental Hockey League as of next season due to lack of funding, according to Russian press reports. The Russian news agency TASS reported that the two clubs will no longer receive funding from Russian sources starting from the '15-16 season. The report quoted sports minister Vitaly Mutko as saying that the situation is "normal." Mutko said, "I am more interested in developing hockey within Russia. If those clubs have financial means, they are welcome to play [in the KHL]. But finding Russian sponsors to support those clubs for KHL is not in line with our vision."
UNCERTAIN FUTURE: A KHL spokesman told SBD Global that while Medveščak may be financially sound, Slovan's future in KHL is uncertain. "However, it is too early to draw any conclusions," he said. "KHL clubs are to submit their financial guarantees for next season by April 30. Slovan has made it clear that the team would like to stay in KHL, and they still have enough time to find a sponsor in Europe that would allow them to stay." Medveščak and Slovan did not respond to requests for comment. Slovan is currently bottom of the table in the West conference and lost chances for making it to the playoffs. Medveščak, which is in 13th place, could still technically qualify.
Vladimir Kozlov is a writer in Moscow.