Russia faces punishment after players snub Canada's anthem

Russia faces punishment from the International Ice Hockey Federation after its players left the ice before the victorious Canadian team's anthem was played after the World Championship final.

Canada beat Russia 6-1 in Sunday's final in Prague, after which most of the Russian team opted to head for the dressing room before the trophy presentation and the playing of the Canadian anthem.

IIHF president Rene Fasel told Russian agency Tass that he had been left ''rather upset'' by the Russians leaving the ice and that ''some sort of punishment'' would be handed down.

The incident has already reached governmental level, with Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko blaming tournament organizers for opening a gate in the boards. According to Mutko, the Russian team took this as an invitation to leave.