Canada to block Russian players from world junior hockey via visa controls
Ottawa relies on immigration laws to enforce a ban that contradicts a recent Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling.
By Amina Kaminski ·
The world junior hockey championship will feature ten teams starting December 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, with Russia and Belarus excluded by order of the Canadian government. The exclusion comes despite a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport that mandated Russia’s reinstatement to international competition.
Adam van Koeverden, the secretary of state for sport, stated on Wednesday that Canada’s position is unequivocal. He confirmed that Russia and Belarus will not compete in international events while using their national symbols. The decision aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement made Tuesday from the Commonwealth Summit in Antigua, where he declared that Russian players would not be present at the tournament.
The federal government plans to use its immigration powers to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from entering Canada. Officials said the measure aims to stop the two countries from using sporting events on Canadian soil as platforms for political legitimacy and propaganda. Athletes competing as neutrals remain eligible to participate under the new guidelines.
Dick Pound, a veteran sport lawyer and former International Olympic Committee member, noted that the arbitral court lacks the authority to dictate which athletes Canada allows into the country. He argued that the Canadian government retains the final say on entry visas. Pound stated that Hockey Canada, as a sport organization, does not decide who receives entry visas, nor can the court order the government to grant them.
The International Ice Hockey Federation reiterated its opposition to the court’s ruling on Wednesday. The federation cited logistical, security, and competitive challenges associated with Russia’s immediate return. These challenges include visa requirements and potential changes to tournament formats. The organization stated that it is consulting with national hockey associations and host authorities before determining its next steps.
Russia’s ambassador to Canada, Oleg Stepanov, criticized the decision on Tuesday. He described the move as genuinely regrettable and accused the cabinet of bringing politics onto the ice. Stepanov argued that junior hockey should focus on athletic excellence and fair competition, and he suggested the decision would remove some of the tournament’s strongest competition.
Hockey Canada welcomed the government’s position on Tuesday and announced that its board would meet this week to discuss next steps. Several European hockey federations, including those from Sweden, Finland, Czechia, and Latvia, have already stated that their teams would refuse to face Russia. The opposition has also spread to major sponsors of the men’s world hockey championship in Germany scheduled for May.
Czech automaker Skoda, the main sponsor of the German tournament for more than 30 years, said it would reassess its involvement if Russia competes. German workwear manufacturer Strauss threatened to withdraw its sponsorship, while Nokian Tyres said it would end its backing if Russia participates. The world junior championship field includes defending champion Sweden, along with Canada, Czechia, Switzerland, the United States, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, Norway, and Finland.
