WAIPU Position on Olympic Games
WAIP is requesting that each player has a right to participate at the Olympic Games. WAIPU requests that all players worldwide do get the same special treatment as NHL players do at Olympic Games.
WAIPU President Dr Lucien W Valloni concerning the WAIPU Position on Olympic Games
"With a year to go until the next Winter Olympics in South Corea, and a always repeating discussion between IOC / IIHF and NHL we have a clear position. WAIPU President Dr Lucien W Valloni said: "The position of WAIPU is clear. We have to defend the interests of all players world wide. Therefor, we fight for the right of each player of each country to have a right to participate at the Olympic Games. Olympic Games are a life time experience for each player and the chances to participate at Olympic Games are rare since these games are held only every four years. We do not see why the players of NHL shall be deprived of such life time experience. We consider it as a fundamental right of a player to participate at Olympic Games in case they are selected by their national teams. Hence, every club shall have the duty to set free any player who is selected by its national team. This is already a fundamental right for example in football, why should this be different in Ice Hockey. Furthermore, we take note of the fact that IOC/IIHF do grant NHL players always a very good special treatment. We are fine with these deals but we request on behalf of all players world wide that all players all over the world do receive the very same treatment as NHL players do get. This is only fair."