Putin Criticises Barring of Russian Hockey Juniors From World Championship in Canada

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticised Canada's decision to keep Russian players out of the ice hockey world junior championship, scheduled for next month in the Canadian province of Alberta. In his words the restrictions are politicised, and the dispute matters for the wider question of whether Russian athletes return to international competition and whether Russia will play at the senior world championship.

Background

Russian athletes are gradually being allowed back into international events, mostly under neutral status. Last week the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which resolves disputes in international sport, made an unexpected ruling providing for Russian national hockey teams to be admitted to world championships in various age groups.

Nevertheless, Hockey Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney said Russian athletes would not take part in Alberta. Carney said that as long as Russia and Belarus support the war in Ukraine, athletes from those countries cannot represent them in Canada, so there will be no Russians at the junior championship. The federation confirmed it will not host Russian or Belarusian players.

Putin's reaction

According to the TASS news agency, Putin said the organisations have not met their obligations and continue to impose restrictions on Russian sport that, in his view, are not based on law but are politicised. He called it a blatant violation of law and court rulings, as well as of democratic institutions. The source notes that Putin is a passionate hockey fan.

What comes next

It remains unclear what will happen with the senior world championship planned for next spring. Although the CAS ruling provides for Russia's participation, several countries, including Latvia, have already said they will not play against Russia.