Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka faces backlash from athletes and cabinet colleagues after calling hockey ‘a men’s sport’ in remarks opposing Russian players

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has faced backlash from athletes and cabinet colleagues after stating that hockey is a "men's sport" in an interview opposing the Russian team's participation in the junior ice hockey world championship hosted by his country in January 2027. Macinka's comments have been criticized by Czech women's national hockey team players, Czech male hockey players, and other sports figures, with some calling him an "arrogant fool."

Despite the criticism, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled that Russian athletes can compete in the world championships, while the International Ice Hockey Federation has stated it will try to comply with the decision.

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