Canada Opposes Russia's Return to International Hockey Competitions

The Government of Canada has expressed strong opposition to a recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that permits Russia to return to international hockey competitions.

Adam van Koeverden, the Canadian Secretary of State for Sport, stated that Canada has consistently maintained since 2022 that Russia should not participate in international sports while its invasion of Ukraine continues. He emphasized that Canada will uphold restrictions on Russian athletes at events funded by the government and will seek additional measures to hold Russia accountable.

Hockey Canada also voiced disappointment regarding the ruling, noting that the implications are not yet clear and that they are in communication with the IIHF to understand the potential effects on future competitions. Russia has been banned from IIHF-sanctioned events since its invasion of Ukraine, with the IIHF reaffirming the ban annually. However, the CAS ruling indicated insufficient evidence for the IIHF's security concerns, allowing Russia to re-enter competitions starting in the 2027 season.