The Canadian Minister said that Russians will not be allowed to the MSM even with visas
TSN previously reported that the Canadian authorities notified IIHF about the ban for Russians to participate in the youth world Cup, including for those playing in local leagues. Minister van Couverden said that even hockey players with visas will not enter Canada
Canadian Sports Minister Adam van Cooverden said the country will take measures to prevent Russian athletes and officials from entering the World Hockey Championships, regardless of whether they have visas. The statement of van Couverden leads TSN journalist Chris Johnston in the social network X.
Earlier, TSN reported that the Canadian authorities have notified the international (IIHF) and national (Hockey Canada) federations that the Russians will not be able to play at the upcoming tournament.
Van Couverden pointed out that these measures “are not directed against the peoples of Russia and Belarus,” but to prevent governments from using tournaments for “state representation.” “Only individual athletes in a neutral capacity will continue to be able to participate in international sporting events hosted by Canada,” he said.
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev said earlier that the Russian side has a backup plan in case hockey players are denied Canadian visas. “We have a plan B. We won't disclose it. Everything will be good for Russia and bad for Canada, he said.
After the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the Russian team was included in the number of participants of the upcoming World Cup. The tournament will be held from December 26 to January 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Canada.
