Canada and several hockey nations increase pressure against Russia's return to international tournaments

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has ruled out the participation of Russian teams in the upcoming U20 World Championship, opposing a recent CAS ruling that allowed their return. This decision comes amid increasing pressure from sponsors and other nations, with Skoda threatening to withdraw sponsorship for the men's 2027 World Championship in Germany. Carney emphasized that no Russian athletes would compete in Canada as long as Russia supports the war in Ukraine. The IIHF is currently assessing the implications of the CAS ruling, maintaining its stance against the immediate return of Russian teams due to logistical and security challenges. Several Nordic countries have also declared they will not play against Russia, further isolating the nation in international hockey.