Russia is back in the hockey world champions | Hanomansing Live

Russia can once again compete in the ice hockey world championships after a significant court ruling. The Court of Arbitration for Sport looked at a dispute. It was between the International Ice Hockey Federation and Russia's Ice Hockey Federation. And the international body said that Russia's inclusion raised security concerns. Its exclusion also timed with the invasion of Ukraine. Russia decided to appeal that claim of security concerns, which has now been reversed due to a lack of evidence. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand spoke with CBC Power and Politics, saying that she doesn't support this. We have, from day one, stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine against this illegal and unjustifiable invasion. So the decision by the IIHF has come as a great disappointment to me, frankly, and the government of Canada will be examining the guidelines that are in place in terms of next steps. But make no mistake, this is a very unwelcome decision. My next guest was following the latest ruling. Meeker Gurrier is a radio and TV host at RDS and 98.5 FM in Montreal. Meeker, thank you for taking the time tonight. All right, no problem. So what's your reaction to Russia now being allowed to compete in international hockey tournaments? Well, it's a surprise, but also it's not a surprise because you've heard it before. Canada has been advocating to keep Russia out of the International Ice Hockey Federation tournaments. A lot of countries have been pushing for that. But on the other hand, it's not a surprise because Russia has been trying to pressure but also influence the IIHF. To be back in those tournaments and ice hockey is not the only federation basically having to deal with the pressure of the Russian Federation's other sports have been under pressure as well. Some countries have even refused to welcome back Russian Federation. It was a case for fencing not too long ago as well. So it's not a big surprise, but it is because the war is still going on. in Ukraine and it's a very complicated situation it's a lot of people don't want to mix sports and politics but sports and politics unfortunately sometimes they go hand in hand because sports is used by country countries to influence the way we view them and there's a reason why we call it They have to stop the power. And from what I understand, Vladimir Putin is actually a big hockey fan. But what has changed now that might have driven the court of arbitration for sports ruling? Because this isn't the IHS, right? This is a court that's saying you've said security concerns and we don't see the evidence of security concerns. What's changed? That's exactly what happened. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has said that there are no good enough reasons for the IIHF not to welcome back Russia in those tournaments. And honestly, it's hard to understand because it's going to be very complicated. But also for the IIHF, it's going to be complicated to try and, you know, be the arbitrator between countries that don't want to play against Russia also. But also countries that don't want to welcome tournaments where Russia will have to be included. And the ruling doesn't say, does Russia have to be included in the next tournament, which is the World Juniors here in Canada, in Alberta? Or will it have to be in next May, probably? In Germany for the World Hockey Tournament. So it's going to be very delicate. And the thing with all that is that nothing has changed in Russia or in Ukraine. And there is something very delicate going on for the 2027 World Championship. Ukraine is the last qualified country. Can you imagine if Ukraine is kicked out of that tournament to welcome Russia? What it'll look like? For the Ice Hockey Federation, but also on the international level. So, honestly, I wouldn't want to be part of the Ice Hockey International Federation right now. And conversely, what if Ukraine has to or, you know, finds themselves in a situation where they're to play Russia on the ice? I mean, that is... Exactly. I wouldn't want to be in that situation either. Exactly, Sarah. And some countries even have laws that prevent them for participating in competitions against Russia. So imagine how complicated that will be. Honestly, I have no idea how this is going to end. But there are two things here. There's what has been ruled by the Court of Arbitration for Sports. And there is what is morally right for various countries. So those two things seem to be colliding right now. So just quickly, I want to ask you one more question, and that's because you touched on this. We don't know for sure, but the possibility exists if Russia is back in here that the Russian junior team could be playing in Red Deer, Edmonton as soon as late December of this year. How do you, if that were to be the case, how would you expect that might play out? It'll be complicated. Can you imagine the Canadian government or the Alberta government having to pay for security around hotels where Russian athletes are staying? And it's complicated also because people will also say that, well, the athletes didn't decide to go to war with Ukraine. It was their country. A national team is more than just athletes from a country. They represent a country with a flag, with a national anthem. And the other thing that the CAS hasn't said is, do you have to welcome the Russian athletes or the Russian Federation? Will they be playing with the Russian flag under the Russian Federation or not? So, honestly, it's a great... I was going to say it's a great problem, but it's going to be a very big problem. And we're already in October, and the World Juniors are in December. So will it be for December? Will it be for May? And notice how Hockey Canada hasn't really commented that clearly today. So I'm very curious to see how they're going to manage all that. Okay, Mika Garrier, thank you so much for talking the soft power of sports with us. Thank you. You're welcome.