The KHL club The Jokers ‘Supporters’ South End Association on Tuesday demanded that the club leave the hockey league KHL immediately. The jokers agreed to comment on the situation to Urheilu only by e-mail.
On Tuesday, the hockey club of the Jokers in Helsinki, Eteläpääty ry, demanded the club’s immediate withdrawal from the hockey league KHL. The reason is Russia’s military action against Ukraine.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin signed an order recognizing the independence of the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine on Monday and ordered soldiers to “secure peace” in the region. In the West, events have been widely condemned.
Sports tried to get the Jokers lead for the interview, but the club only agreed to comment on the matter via email. Communications Manager Iiro Keurulainen forwarded the CEO, who took office on Monday Sami Kauhanen written answers.
The supporters’ association Eteläpääty ry demands that the Jokers withdraw from KHL immediately due to the situation in Russia. What is the Jokers going to do?
– We are currently monitoring the situation closely and engaging in an active dialogue with our stakeholders. We will also closely monitor any decisions regarding sanctions and will comply with them uncompromisingly in our operations.
The playoffs are set to start against Spartak in March. How do you feel about traveling to Moscow?
– We have binding agreements in the series and an obligation to comply with them. Since the situation is also exceptionally difficult, we do not feel that the Jokers are the right party to strongly align their views on the situation.
How have the partners reacted to this situation?
– We have an active dialogue with our stakeholders.
How have you reacted to the strong message from supporters? What kind of weight does it get?
– The supporters of the club have both critical opinions and an understanding of our situation.
Britain, for example, has already announced a list of sanctions against Russia, which also has Gennady Timtsenko, a co-owner of the Helsinki Arena. What kind of thoughts does this evoke?
– We will closely monitor decisions related to possible sanctions and will adhere to them uncompromisingly in our operations.
How likely is it that the Jokers will play in KHL next season as well?
– We have binding agreements in the series and an obligation to comply with them. We also have a responsibility as an employer.
The Jokers moved to the Russian-led KHL in the fall of 2014. The KHL has also been described as the creation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.