The International Ice Hockey Federation had hoped to complete its investigation by mid-August, but a spokesman Szymon Szemberg told the Nashville Tennessean that schedule is no longer feasible.
"We believe that we won't be able to meet the mid-August ambition," Szemberg told the paper. "Our legal people are working on this and it is our ambition to communicate the result as soon as it is possible."
According to the Star, the IIHF has indicated that Radulov, his team and his league may face sanctions if it's ruled his rights are still owned by the Predators.
Radulov and Salavat could be suspended from international play, while the Russian Federation is also at risk.
The NHL's stance is that Radulov should be returned to the Predators, and the Tennessean suggests the league will not sign their agreed upon player-transfer agreement with the Russian Federation until until Radulov is back with Nashville.
"We have said no transfer agreement with Russia unless or until they do the right thing," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told the paper.
Salavat claims Radulov's deal was agreed to June 25 and signed July 8, two days before the NHL's agreement with Russia, and therefore is not in violation.
"I completely agree with the position of my new club," Radulov said. "During the signing of the contract there was no agreement between the NHL and the KHL. If we didn't violate any rules, what is there to punish for?"
...Perhaps because you are still under contract with Nashville?
Daly acknowledged to TFP last month that the Predators could take legal action against Salavat to retain Radulov for the final year of his deal.
