The Czech Foreign Minister, Petar Makinka, apologized for offensive remarks directed at Russian hockey players, reports the local publication "Idens".
Earlier, on CNN Prima News, the minister called the athletes "masculine", saying the Women's World Youth Championship will not lose anything due to their absence.
He later admitted that his words were highly inappropriate and apologized personally over the phone to the head coach of the Czech women's national team.
According to Matsinka, after the scandalous statement he was also criticized by his own wife.
The World Youth Championship for girls under 18 will take place in the Czech Republic between January 8 and 16, 2027. At the same time, the Czech authorities still do not plan to issue visas to Russian hockey players, despite the CAS decision to admit Russian national teams.