Canada Uses Immigration Powers to Keep Russian and Belarusian Players Out of World Junior Hockey Championship
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Canada's secretary of state for sport confirmed that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be blocked from entering Alberta for the World Junior Championship, citing support for Ukraine and the government's authority over visas.
Canada's secretary of state for sport, Adam van Koeverden, said the government will not allow Russian or Belarusian players to compete in the World Junior Hockey Championship scheduled for December in Alberta, making clear that Canada is standing by Ukraine and refusing to let hostile regimes benefit from its hospitality. > "No, we've been unequivocal with respect to our support for Ukraine and in our insistence that Russia as well as Belarus do not compete in international events while using their national symbols," van Koeverden told reporters.
The decision follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that ordered Russia's reinstatement to international competition, a ruling that veteran sport lawyer Dick Pound argued does not extend to immigration matters, which remain under the control of the Canadian government. > "Short of stamping their feet and pouting, there's not much they can actually do," Pound said, adding that the Canadian government has final authority over visa decisions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at the Commonwealth Summit, confirmed the stance, stating that Russian teams will not be present at the tournament. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) expressed logistical and security concerns about Russia's immediate return but has not directly addressed the Prime Minister's announcement.
Canada indicated it will use its immigration powers to block athletes and officials from entering the country under their national symbols, while allowing participation as neutral athletes where appropriate. The move aims to prevent the use of Canadian-hosted events for political legitimacy and to ensure that international competition is not turned into a stage for propaganda, according to Ottawa.
Russia's ambassador to Canada, Oleg Stepanov, criticized the policy, arguing that politics should not influence sport. Hockey Canada welcomed the government's position and plans to discuss next steps with its board. Several European hockey federations have indicated they would refuse to face Russian teams, and some sponsors of upcoming international tournaments have said they will reassess involvement if Russia participates.
The World Junior Championship will open on Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer, with ten national teams, including defending champion Sweden, slated to compete.