Canada bans Russian and Belarusian players from world junior championship

Canada is barring Russian and Belarusian hockey players from next month's world junior championship despite valid visas.

Canada will not allow Russian and Belarusian ice hockey players or officials into the country for the upcoming world junior championship in Alberta. The federal government stated the entry ban will be enforced regardless of whether individuals already possess valid Canadian visas. The decision affects participation in the international tournament scheduled for next month.

• Broad entry banThe restriction applies to all players, coaches, and officials from Russia and Belarus even if they hold valid Canadian visas.