Canada confirms restrictions on Russian athletes at federally funded events stay in place, as sport minister and foreign minister push back on CAS ruling

Canada · Sports · Oct. 31, 2026 · After the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation's (IIHF) ban on Russian teams for the 2026–27 season, the Canadian federal government confirmed on Oct. 31 that its own restrictions on Russian athletes remain in place. Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden said Canada has maintained since 2022 that Russia should not be represented in international sport competitions while Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues.

What the two ministers said

Van Koeverden said Canada will maintain restrictions on the participation of Russian athletes at events hosted in Canada that receive funding from the Government of Canada, and will explore further options to ensure the Russian government is held accountable. Foreign Minister Anita Anand said she strongly opposes the CAS outcome and that Canada will continue to maintain its own restrictions on Russian athletes at events hosted in Canada that receive federal funding.

The limits of what was announced

The reporting notes this is not a specific visa decision for any one team: as of Oct. 31, the government had not announced a specific decision to reject visas for the Russian hockey team. For context, Alberta will host the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, scheduled to begin on Dec. 26; the report says the federal government had not promised funding for that tournament as of Oct. 31, while Alberta provided $11 million in 2024 to support hockey events including the tournament. Whether Russia returns to international hockey will depend on further discussions between the IIHF and host authorities.

Compiled from EssentiallySports citing Canadian Press reporting via Sportsnet and ministerial statements.