Canada dismisses concerns over barring Russia from world juniors
The government says it will use immigration powers to block Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing under their national symbols.
OTTAWA · Canada's sport minister says there will be no repercussions for the country's decision to bar Russian players from the upcoming world junior hockey championship. Adam van Koeverden dismissed concerns Wednesday that the move could hurt Canada's chances of hosting future events like the Olympics. He said the government has been clear that Russia and Belarus must not compete in international events using their national symbols. The statement follows a ruling last week from the Court of Arbitration for Sport that Russia must be reinstated to international hockey. Russian and Belarusian teams have been banned since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Canada's position on Tuesday. "So if you're asking specifically about the world juniors, the Russians will not be there," he said while attending the Commonwealth Summit in Antigua. The federal government said it will use its immigration powers to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from entering Canada to compete under their national symbols. Ottawa said the measure aims to stop Russia and Belarus from using sporting events in Canada for political propaganda. Athletes competing as neutrals could still be permitted to participate.
Veteran sport lawyer Dick Pound said the international sport court cannot force Canada to admit Russian athletes. "Short of stamping their feet and pouting, there's not much they can actually do," Pound said. The longtime International Olympic Committee member and former CAS arbitrator said the Canadian government has the final say on who enters the country. He said Hockey Canada, as a sport organization, does not decide who gets entry visas. Pound added that the court cannot order the Canadian government to grant visas.
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The International Ice Hockey Federation reiterated its opposition Wednesday to the ruling ordering Russia's reinstatement. In a statement, the IIHF cited logistical, security and competitive challenges with Russia's immediate return, including visa issues and potential format changes. "The global impact of the decision made by the CAS Panel and the challenges it creates for all involved were significantly underestimated," the federation said. It is consulting national hockey associations, tournament organizers and host authorities before determining its next steps. The IIHF said player safety and tournament integrity remain priorities and promised more information soon.
Russia's ambassador to Canada, Oleg Stepanov, criticized the decision on Tuesday. "It is genuinely regrettable to see Prime Minister Carney’s cabinet bringing politics onto the ice. Sport, particularly junior hockey, should be about athletic excellence, fair competition and bringing young people together," Stepanov said. He suggested the decision would eliminate some of Canada's strongest competition at the tournament. Hockey Canada welcomed the government's position and said its board would meet this week to discuss next steps.
Several European hockey federations have said their teams would refuse to face Russia, including Sweden, Finland, Czechia and Latvia. Garbutt Disposal reported in November that six nations had refused to play Russia in upcoming hockey world championships. The opposition has also spread to major sponsors of next May's men's world hockey championship in Germany. Czech automaker Skoda, the main sponsor for over 30 years, said it would reassess its involvement if Russia competes. German workwear manufacturer Strauss also threatened to withdraw its sponsorship, while Nokian Tyres said it would end its backing.
Van Koeverden said he met with Finland's sports minister on Tuesday to discuss the issue, noting countries near Russia face different consequences from the war. "We have a lot in common and certainly not the least of which is our support for Ukraine," he said. Asked why Russia was being treated differently, van Koeverden pointed to Moscow's use of sport for political interests. "They continually use sport for nefarious reasons and purposes, so the false equivalencies aren't necessary in this regard," he said. The world junior championship opens Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta., with ten teams scheduled to compete.
With files from CBC News and Sportsnet