Canada denies visas to Russian hockey players for the World Juniors, PM Mark Carney confirms amid the ongoing IIHF participation dispute.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney © Cindy Ord/ Getty Images
Canada denies visas to Russian hockey players seeking to participate in the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship, scheduled to take place in Canada later this year and early next year. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the decision, making it clear that Russian players will not be permitted to participate in the tournament. The Times of Russia reports on Canada’s position amid the ongoing international debate over Russian participation in ice hockey competitions.
Mark Carney Confirms Canada’s Decision on Russian Hockey Players
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that Russian players will not be allowed to compete in the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship 2026.
Speaking to CTV News, Carney directly addressed the participation of the Russian team, stating:
“If you’re asking specifically about the world juniors, the Russians will not be there,” he said.
He further emphasized that the decision was made independently by Canada, adding:
“This is a decision we take on our own.”
The announcement confirms Canada’s position on the participation of the Russian national ice hockey team in the upcoming international tournament.
Canada Denies Visas to Russian Hockey Players Following CAS Ruling
The Canadian announcement comes after a recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning Russia’s participation in international ice hockey.
On October 30, CAS instructed the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to permit Russian national teams to participate in international competitions.
The ruling addressed the participation of Russian teams in international events. However, Canada’s decision to deny visas to Russian athletes for the junior championship represents its own position on their participation in the tournament.
The development has brought renewed attention to the IIHF Russian teams international competitions issue and the wider debate surrounding Russian athletes competing internationally.
European Hockey Federations Express Disappointment
Following the CAS ruling, several national ice hockey federations expressed dissatisfaction with the decision.
The hockey federations of Germany, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Norway stated that they were disappointed with the court’s verdict.
Meanwhile, the Finnish Ice Hockey Association announced that it was organizing a group of countries prepared to boycott matches involving Russian teams.
These reactions highlight the continuing disagreement among national hockey organizations over the participation of Russian teams in international competitions.
Russia’s Participation in International Ice Hockey Remains Disputed
The developments surrounding the Russian national ice hockey team have created further uncertainty about its participation in upcoming international tournaments.
Although CAS instructed the IIHF to allow Russian national teams to compete, reactions from several European federations indicate that opposition remains.
Canada has separately confirmed that Russian players will not participate in the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship because the country will not issue them visas.
The situation reflects the differing positions taken by international sports organizations and national federations regarding Russian participation in international ice hockey.
The Times of Russia will continue to follow developments concerning the Canada Russian hockey visa ban, the IIHF ruling and Russia’s participation in international ice hockey competitions.
