In brief
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned Canada for refusing visas to Russian junior hockey players, calling the decision politically motivated and damaging to the 2027 World Championship. The denial directly conflicts with a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that allowed Russian teams to participate, and it violates the solidarity expressed by Canadian ministers. Zakharova warned the move would hurt hockey’s competitive integrity and appeal to spectators.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Monday that Canada’s refusal to give visas to Russian junior hockey players is politically motivated and hurts world hockey. The move comes after a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that the International Ice Hockey Federation must let Russian national teams play in the 2027 World Championships, which will be held in Edmonton and Red Deer from December 26, 2026 to January 5, 2027.
“With its politically motivated decision, the Canadian government is directly harming not only the World Championship being held in its country but also hockey worldwide,” Zakharova said.
She added that Prime Minister Mark Carney had announced the visa denial and that three Canadian ministers—responsible for foreign affairs, immigration and sports—had issued a joint statement supporting it.
Zakharova highlighted Russia’s junior team’s record, noting that it has won more World Junior medals than any other country, and warned that the exclusion would reduce the tournament’s entertainment value and appeal to fans. The Russian diplomat pointed out that this decision conflicts with the CAS ruling and would prevent the team from participating in the upcoming championship.
