The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Canada's refusal to issue visas to Belarusian athletes "in Canada they like to talk about a "rules-based order". However, these rules only apply until they start to interfere with Ottawa. The host country of an international sports event is obliged to ensure the reception of participants - this is the basic principle of organizing any international tournament. Refusal of visas is discrimination based on nationality and contradicts the Olympic principle of "sport beyond politics". I would like to remind you that the Court of Arbitration for Sport recently made a decision ordering the participation of the Belarusian and Russian national teams in the tournaments of the International Hockey Federation in the 2026/2027 season. Canada, as the host of the tournament, cannot ignore it. However, we have already encountered Canadian selectivity: Belarus has received refusals to extradite and provide information on Nazi criminals involved in the genocide of the Belarusian people who have found refuge in Canada. The current phase is a continuation of that line. We expect the International Hockey Federation to ensure compliance with its regulations and court decisions. Winners in sports should be determined on sports fields, not in visa centers."

The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Canada's refusal to issue visas to Belarusian athletes "in Canada they like to talk about a "rules-based order". However, these rules only apply until they start to interfere with Ottawa. The host country of an international sports event is obliged to ensure the reception of participants - this is the basic principle of organizing any international tournament. Refusal of visas is discrimination based on nationality and contradicts the Olympic principle of "sport beyond politics". I would like to remind you that the Court of Arbitration for Sport recently made a decision ordering the participation of the Belarusian and Russian national teams in the tournaments of the International Hockey Federation in the 2026/2027 season. Canada, as the host of the tournament, cannot ignore it. However, we have already encountered Canadian selectivity: Belarus has received refusals to extradite and provide information on Nazi criminals involved in the genocide of the Belarusian people who have found refuge in Canada. The current phase is a continuation of that line. We expect the International Hockey Federation to ensure compliance with its regulations and court decisions. Winners in sports should be determined on sports fields, not in visa centers."