Sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine have impacted the EURO League as it looks to starting its 14th season.

Commissioner Chuck Massaro announced the league is pulling up stakes in Russia and moving its two Russian franchises to other countries.

“Russia’s invasion and destruction of Ukraine with indiscriminate shelling of wholesale parts of the country – killing civilians of all ages and genders – is so disgusting to us that we can’t be a party to generating revenue and hockey enjoyment in Russia,” the commissioner said.

“With the general managers’ permission and their wholehearted backing, the St. Petersburg franchise is relocating to Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Moscow is relocating to Hanover, Germany,” he said. Both changes will take effect once the league moves to the setup step.

The teams will have to remain in the Kharlamov Division for three seasons unless and restructuring of the divisions is voted on and approved by a majority of league owners.