Athletes hurt by Canadian visa policy

The new Canadian visa requirements are already hitting Czech hockey players and cyclists.

The unexpected decision to re-impose visas on Czechs, tied to a spike in Roma refugee claims, became a worry for Czech bikers who were slated to ride in World Cup races in Canada. As a result, cyclists were among the first Czechs to travel to the Canadian Embassy in Vienna, through which Czechs must now apply for visas.

"If we had not already paid for the trip, we would've canceled it," said Jiří Lutovský, manager of the Czech team. "Instead of practicing, we had to go to Vienna for the visas. It wasn't pleasant."

Meanwhile, some of the country's hockey players who make their living with the National Hockey League, as well as some hockey agents, were concerned about whether they'll be required to get the visa, too.

"It's not only about the actual players, but also about their family members," agent Jaromír Henyš said. "It's not clear yet how the whole thing will work."

Another agent, Pavel Maršoun, told the Czech daily Lidové noviny that the visa requirement will make life more complicated for junior players who are going for Canada for tryouts for Canadian teams. "In the past, all they needed was a passport and an invitation from the club," Maršoun said.

Henyš said that the more complicated departure to Canada will not reduce the number of juniors traveling overseas.

"They will all get visas. It'll just be an unpleasant administrative hurdle on their way," Henyš said.

Soccer in America

Two of Czech soccer's biggest stars are making off-season news with their return, or rumored return, to the field.

On July 18, the more than a year and a half long wait for the return of soccer midfielder Tomáš Rosický ended when the player made an appearance in Arsenal's pre-season game against the small club Barnet. Rosický played in the first half and said he was happy with his performance.

"I felt great on the ball, and I've got no problems with my technique. Also, my stamina has been improving," Rosický wrote on his official Web site the day after the game. "My comeback was in fact better than I had anticipated. I can say I didn't forget how to play football."

The Arsenal midfielder had been out of action with a hamstring injury since late January 2008 and, after numerous failed comebacks, still finds himself working his way back into the Arsenal rotation. Rosický underwent two surgeries and repeatedly postponed his comeback. The 28-year-old even admitted last spring that the lengthy injury had forced him to question whether he would ever play again.

Meanwhile, former Czech national team captain Pavel Nedvěd, who retired in June from professional soccer, is already hinting at a return to the pitch. The 36-year-old player, who last played with Italy's Juventus, repeatedly hinted that he could continue playing. In mid-July, Nedvěd turned down an offer from Inter Milan, saying it would not be fair to Juventus fans.

"I don't care about Juve as a club, but I do not want to come off as a traitor in the eyes of the fans," Nedvěd said.

His agent, Mino Raiola, continues to suggest Nedvěd will not retire.

"He can go wherever he wants, and he wants a team that needs him, where he can make an important contribution," Raiola says.

Nedvěd's most probable destination would seem to be former club Lazio, which he joined from Sparta Praha in 1996. But there are other options, as well, including a move to Major League Soccer in North America - where English superstar David Beckham plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

"There is interest from the United States - a country that fascinates him," Raiola said. He added that Nedvěd was on vacation and is scheduled to return soon, after which he is expected to announce future plans.

František Bouc can be reached at
fbouc@praguepost.com