Finland and Norway will stop Russian athletes at the border, even those federations cleared to compete
Both measures arrive just as the winter sports season opens on Finnish and Norwegian snow.
On November 12, Finland's government announced that non-essential entry by Russian citizens, including professional athletes, would be prohibited from entering the country. The decision, which takes effect from November 16, covers athletes competing under neutral status as well. Similarly, Norway's government announced on the same day that it would turn away Russian and Belarusian professional athletes and their support staff who arrive to compete during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The restrictions apply to anyone entering the country on a visa, regardless of their point of entry.
The dispute over Russia's return to international sports has shifted from federation boardrooms to national borders. In July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. Later that month, World Boxing and World Archery reinstated Russia's flag and anthem, respectively.
Finland's new rules come into play before ski jumpers compete in Lillehammer on November 20 and cross-country skiers begin their World Cup season in Ruka on November 27. Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated, "As long as Russia's war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business in Finland." From November 16, Russians will only be allowed to work in Finland on a Schengen visa in jobs crucial to the nation's interests, such as security of supply. These restrictions apply irrespective of the country from which the Russian citizens enter.
Meanwhile, the Finnish Figure Skating Association has requested clarification from the International Skating Union (ISU) regarding the visa status of Russian neutral athletes who entered for the Finlandia Trophy in Helsinki on November 20-21. The ISU is examining the implications for the 2027 World Championships in Tampere, emphasizing that "athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments."
Norway's Culture Minister Lubna Jaffery linked the decision to the war, arguing that Russia's ongoing "brutal war of aggression" prompts the government to prevent Russian and Belarusian professional athletes and their support staff from participating in international competitions. The measures will be enforced "soon," Jaffery said. When NRK pointed out that Russian athletes had previously competed in Norway under a neutral flag, Jaffery argued that this was a "tightening" consequence of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
