Putin condemns hockey ban as Canada blocks Russia from World Juniors

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 03:03 · Archive

Russia will not compete in next month's World Junior Championships in Alberta despite a court lifting the ban.

Russia will be barred from competing in next month's World Junior Championships in Alberta despite the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lifting restrictions on Russian teams. Hockey Canada and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement, prompting Vladimir Putin to issue a statement accusing hockey organizations of breaching judicial rulings and democratic principles.

'Unfortunately, they have not honored the commitments they once made, and they continue to enforce restrictions against Russian sports that are not based on law, but are instead highly politicized,' Putin said via translation. He called the restrictions 'a clear and gross violation of the law and of judicial rulings — and, by extension, a violation of the very institutions of democracy'.

Belarus also protested the decision. Ruslan Varanov, spokesperson for the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: 'A country hosting an international sporting event is required to ensure that participants are admitted—this is a fundamental principle of organizing any international tournament. The denial of visas constitutes discrimination on the basis of nationality and contradicts the Olympic principle of sport outside of politics.' He added that 'winners in sports should be determined on the field, not at visa centers'.

Russia has been absent from Olympic hockey this year, the first time since 2014 that featured NHL players, and was excluded from the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off.

How it is being reported

• Vladimir Putin calls out nations opposing Russia’s return to international sportsSeveral countries have said their national teams will not play against Russia following a decision by sport's highest court to readmit Russian teams to international ice hockey.The Japan Times · 6 Nov, 02:33
• Putin accuses hockey organizations of 'gross violation' as Canada bars Russia from World JuniorsVladimir Putin accused hockey organizations of politicized restrictions after Hockey Canada and Mark Carney blocked Russia from the World Juniors.Fox News · 5 Nov, 15:55

In this story: Vladimir Putin · Hockey Canada · Mark Carney · Court of Arbitration for Sport · Canada · Belarus · Russia

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