Canada dismisses fears of international blowback over Russian world junior hockey ban

“So if you’re asking specifically about the world juniors, the Russians will not be there,” he said.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled last week that Russia must be reinstated to international competition, starting with the world juniors. Russian and Belarusian teams have been banned since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Van Koeverden said he met Tuesday with Finland’s sports minister to discuss the issue, noting that countries neighbouring Russia face different consequences from its invasion of Ukraine.

“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 from other countries, including the United States, van Koeverden pointed to Moscow’s use of international sport to advance its political interests.

“They continually use sport for nefarious reasons and purposes, so the false equivalencies aren’t necessary in this regard,” he said.

In a statement Wednesday, the IIHF cited logistical, security and competitive challenges with Russia’s immediate return, including visa requirements and potential changes to tournament formats.

“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.

While the IIHF did not directly address Carney’s announcement, it said it is consulting national hockey associations, tournament organizers and host authorities before determining its next steps. The federation said player safety and tournament integrity remain priorities. It promised more information in the coming days.

The federal government said it would 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 was intended to prevent Russia and Belarus from using international sporting events in Canada as platforms for political legitimacy and propaganda. Athletes competing as neutrals could still be permitted to participate.

Russia’s ambassador to Canada criticized the decision Tuesday, accusing Ottawa of bringing politics into sports.

“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,” Oleg Stepanov said.

Stepanov also suggested the decision would eliminate some of Canada’s strongest competition at the tournament.

“One might almost suspect that Ottawa has discovered a novel approach to winning international tournaments: if you cannot be entirely certain of beating your strongest opponents on the ice, simply ensure they never make it to the rink,” he said.

Hockey Canada welcomed the government’s position Tuesday and said its board of directors would meet this week to discuss next steps.

Canada’s decision came after several European hockey federations, including Sweden, Finland, Czechia and Latvia, said their teams would refuse to face Russia.

The opposition has also spread to major sponsors of the men’s world hockey championship, which takes place in Germany next May.

Czech automaker Skoda, the tournament’s main sponsor for more than 30 years, said Wednesday it would reassess its involvement if Russia competes.

“With Russia’s aggression continuing, we believe the Russian national team’s return to the world championship is incompatible with the values we have consistently upheld,” the company said in a statement to The Associated Press.

German workwear manufacturer Strauss also threatened to withdraw its sponsorship, while Nokian Tyres said it would end its backing if Russia participates.

The world junior championship opens Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta., with defending champion Sweden among the 10 teams scheduled to compete.

Canada, Czechia, Switzerland, the United States, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, Norway and Finland round out the field.

With files from The Associated Press and Nick Murray in Ottawa.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Canada dismisses fears of international blowback over Russian world junior hockey ban

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