KHL considering all options, including forfeits and shutdown, to contain COVID outbreak

Russia's Kontinental Hockey League is weighing all of its options in an attempt to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 among several teams. The league released a statement Saturday.

"As of 10:00 (Moscow) on January 8, 2022, three clubs in the league (Avtomobilist, Salavat Yulaev, CSKA) PCR tests' for coronavirus showed a positive result in a large number of players and team representatives. The nearest games involving these clubs have been canceled," read the statement."

"In contrast to the situation in the season 2020/2021, there are now group cases of the disease with a short incubation period. The majority of cases are asymptomatic,"

"The main goal is to prevent a massive outbreak of the disease throughout the league. Games will be played on those teams where the epidemiological situation remains stable."

According to Sport24.ru, the league is holding meetings to discuss how to proceed. The options being weighed are forfeits of games, as well as the suspension of the entire league with games to be played later. With that, comes the possibility of extending the usual end of the regular season. The league intends to make a decision next week, saying it's main concerns are keeping participants healthy, and awarding the championship at the end of 2021-22.

The situation also calls into question Russia's ability to compete at the 2022 Winter Games in February. With NHLers not taking part, Russia (or the ROC as it's known at this year's games) is considered a heavy favourite. However, that could change drastically if many of the players in the KHL are unable to travel. There have also been games cancellations and postponements in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) this week due to COVID-19. Many players from that league would also be participating at the Winter Games.

Source: Sport24.ru

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