Canada dismisses fears of international blowback over Russian world junior hockey ban
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will use immigration powers to block Russian and Belarusian athletes as sponsors and federations raise objections.
- Following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling on Friday, several European ice hockey federations—including Finland and Sweden—declared yesterday they will refuse to play against Russia in upcoming international matches.
- The International Ice Hockey Federation had barred Russia from global competition since 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine; the CAS overturned this ban, asserting the IIHF's safety concerns 'were not supported by sufficient evidence.'
- Major sponsors including automaker Skoda, workwear maker Strauss, and furniture firm AJ Products—which has backed the championship for 37 years—said they will "reassess" involvement if Russia competes, citing incompatibility with corporate values.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Tuesday that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be barred from competing in Canada, specifically ruling out participation in next month's World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta.
- Russian ambassador Oleg Stepanov accused Ottawa of "bringing politics even into junior hockey," while Germany faces uncertainty over hosting the 2027 Men's World Championship as the IIHF warns of "significant practical and sporting challenges" from the ruling.
185 Articles
185 Articles
Russia is to be allowed to participate in the world ice hockey championship in Germany in 2027. That's what the sports court wants. Other nations rebel against it. Also warn the Germans. Rightly.
Canada to bar Russian, Belarusian athletes competing under national symbols
Canada will individually ban entry to Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials if they intend to compete under national symbols, according to a joint statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, Minister of Immigration Lina Metlege Diab, and Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden.
The Province
Vancouver SunIIHF's European sponsors are saying 'no' to Russia. Where do the Canadian sponsors stand?
So far, there has been silence from this side of the corporate Atlantic.
Russia will again participate in the ice hockey World Cup, but Sweden will not be able to compete against the Russian landscape. The first Swedish team to be affected by the decision is the Junior Kronorna, which will play the World Cup in Canada in December. "It's clear that you want to play hockey, but at the same time there are things that are more important than that," says forward Eddie Genborg.
Canada dismisses fears of international blowback over Russian world junior hockey ban
Canada's secretary of state for sport dismissed concerns Wednesday that barring Russian players from next month's world junior hockey championship in Alberta could hurt the country's chances of hosting future international events, including the Olympics.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
