Czechia considers legal steps to block Russian hockey players from world championship

The sports minister says Czech authorities have options to prevent Russian players from competing in Ostrava, even if they enter Schengen elsewhere.

Czechia currently restricts visas for Russian athletes, but the possibility of players arriving through another Schengen country has complicated preparations for January's championship.

Šťastný said the Interior Ministry has legal mechanisms available to address such cases, although he did not specify which measures would be used.

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has also opposed Russian participation and is expected to meet representatives of Czech hockey to discuss the tournament.

As Czech Radio reported, Macinka said he could not imagine Russian athletes competing in Czechia while the war in Ukraine continues.

Czech Ice Hockey Association president Alois Hadamczik has called for government assistance, warning that refusing to play against Russia without official intervention could expose the national team to sporting sanctions.

The federation has also questioned how the arbitration ruling can be implemented under Czech immigration rules. In an interview with Czech Radio, federation representative Jan Černý said the court's decision on sporting eligibility does not override national entry requirements.

The dispute has also prompted criticism of Macinka after he made derogatory comments about Russian female hockey players during a weekend television appearance.

Macinka described hockey as predominantly a men's sport and used an insulting term to refer to Russian women players.

His comments drew condemnation from politicians and prominent Czech athletes, including NHL players, who defended women's participation in the sport.

According to Czech Radio's Nov. 9 report, several athletes publicly criticized the foreign minister's remarks.

Šťastný distanced himself from the comments, saying he supports women's sport, but declined to call on Macinka to apologize.

No final decision has been announced on Russian participation in the January championship. Czech authorities and hockey officials are expected to continue discussions over the legal and sporting implications.