‘Let them play’: Fans push back against Russia’s hockey ban

When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney decided to refuse visas to Russians to play in next month's World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, he became the first elected leader to openly ignore a court ruling and international sports federation decision. In doing so, he unleashed dangerous and virulent anti-Russian forces in his own country, setting back sports diplomacy over 50 years.

The week before, on October 30, the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) voted to allow Russian and Belarusian teams back into international play. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) accepted the decision and a plethora of national federations in Europe reacted predictably.

Fan backlash grows

Eight countries, including Latvia and France, stated that they would boycott any games with Russia. Germany, the host of the 2027 IIHF World Championships, objected but accepted Russia's return, with only Slovakia welcoming it. Sponsors of the event in Germany have either pulled out or threatened to do so.

What seems to be missing in this entire 'discussion' is what hockey fans think. Not the 'nafoids' and bots online who rant and rage against all things Russian. The voices of actual hockey fans are being studiously ignored by the media – so too the inherent danger posed by Russian or Belarusian teams competing in international competitions.

Security concerns

'Security' and 'safety' were words contained in the statements of most national federations, for good reason. We have seen what Kiev can do in other sovereign states when they want to make a point. From attempting to murder an exiled Ukrainian oligarch in Monaco to the case underway in Germany against a Ukrainian military officer for the Nord Stream terrorist attack, there is a basis for fear.

In Cologne, hockey fans Patrick and Nils expressed concerns about potential trouble from pro-Ukrainian protesters. 'When they speak about security, this is correct. Because we see now, they can make a lot of trouble and not only online,' Patrick said.

Call for inclusion

In Milan, football and hockey fans voiced strong support for including Russian teams in international competitions. 'Football needs to man up and bring in Russia to us again. Stop this stupid hating and blocking. We're all people,' said Andrea, a Milan fan who had previously attended matches in Russia.

János, a Ferencvaros ultra leader, echoed this sentiment: 'Hockey showed balls to allow [Russia] back in to play... I don't like what they do in Ukraine, but I know what Ukraine does to my people there. There's no good side in any war, but we have worse things to deal with in Europe than have us all fighting.'

Political pressure

Back in Vilnius, a top official from the Lithuanian Ice Hockey Federation (LIHF) revealed the political pressure they face. Speaking on condition of anonymity, they said there is tremendous pressure to 'make a statement about solidarity with our neighbor [Latvia].'

Carney and his government have stated that they will disobey the CAS ruling and not allow players or staff holding current visas to take part; 116 Russian-born players were given visas by the Carney government this year. There are nine Russians currently playing for NHL teams in Canada.

Russia's ice hockey federation has asked the IIHF to act: force Canada to allow Russian kids play or move the tournament. According to the Lithuanian official, the latter is most likely to happen. 'Canada can't back down and the [IIHF] are worried about terror attacks.'