Canada denies visas to Russia's U20 hockey team for World Championship

Canada has denied visas to Russia's U20 ice hockey team for the World Championship in Canada, despite the team being approved for the tournament. The decision blocks their entry into the host country. Sports Secretary Adam van Koeverden stated the rule also applies to players with valid visas, saying there can be "no return to normality" while Russia continues its war against Ukraine. Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously announced the visa refusal. Russia was banned from international hockey competitions after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Canadian government's move contradicts a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that allowed Russian teams back, which had led to boycott threats from at least seven nations, including Germany, for the 2027 World Championship.