Ottawa says it will not admit Russian players to the upcoming World Junior Championship, even with valid visas
Canada will bar Russian hockey players and officials from the upcoming World Junior Championship, even those with valid visas, the government has announced.
Canadian Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden sought to justify the ban, announced on Wednesday and defying a sports court ruling, by portraying Russian athletes’ participation as a vehicle for “state representation, political legitimacy and propaganda,” adding that immigration authorities will block their entry.
“Canada’s position is unequivocal: As long as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, there can be no return to business as usual,” he declared, echoing Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had ruled out Russian participation last week. The tournament runs from December 26 to January 5.
Ottawa’s move puts it at odds with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which last month overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) suspension of Russia over the Ukraine conflict and ordered its reinstatement for five championships in 2027, including the World Juniors in Canada and the men’s World Championship in Germany. The IIHF expressed disappointment but pledged to comply.
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