The Czech Republic intends to deny Russian hockey players visas to participate in the 2027 World Youth Championship. Foreign Minister Lovmir Matner said that Prague does not consider the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to allow the Russians to compete under the auspices of the International Hockey Federation (IIHF) to be binding. According to him, the issuance of short-term visas to Russian citizens is hindered by the current government restrictions. The under-18 tournament is scheduled to take place in January 2027 in Ostrava.