After Russia invaded Ukraine almost a month ago, Russia is ported from large parts of international sports.

Ice hockey is one such sport, where as recently as yesterday it was announced that they will be replaced by Switzerland in the World Cup preparatory tournament Beijer Hockey Games - which is part of the Euro Hockey Tour - in early May.

"Is a good idea"

But it does not seem to stop there.

Most indications are that Switzerland will play the Euro Hockey Tour for the next two seasons as well.

- We have not signed an agreement for the next two years, but we have had meetings with Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Finland where we are currently preparing for an agreement in two years.

Everyone thinks it is a good idea for us to secure the Euro Hockey Tour and for Switzerland to be involved, says the Swedish Ice Hockey Association's competition director Olof Östblom to SVT Sport.

So you agree on the big features?

- Yes.

It has not been completed, and before the agreement is signed it is not clear, but we agree on the main features.

"Many factors"

Whether Russia will be allowed to return during these years, if the war ends, is unclear.

- I do not want to speculate on that, because there are so many factors before that question becomes relevant.

First and foremost, we have a war, and we must see the development in Russia and Ukraine before we take a stand on something like this, says Östblom, who is pleased that Switzerland is now part of the Euro Hockey Tour:

- Switzerland has for many years made good results at the World Cup and Olympics.

It is a big league and they develop talented players who achieve success both nationally, internationally and also in the NHL.

So it feels like a very good and interesting country to meet more often.

Was it a given that it would be Switzerland and not, for example, Slovakia, Germany or Norway?

- Based on what I mention now, Switzerland is perhaps the best option.

Even if you look at the league, where both Finland, we and the Czech Republic have players there.

And if you look at a world ranking after the Olympics, Switzerland is the team that, outside the North American teams, is the best placed.