Nordic and Baltic nations move to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes
Norway, Sweden, and Estonia are moving to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from international sports competitions hosted on their territory.
Norway, Sweden, and Estonia are taking measures to deny entry to Russian and Belarusian athletes for upcoming international sports competitions, following a similar stance by Finland. The decisions come in response to Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine.
Swedish Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed stated that the government aims to prevent athletes from entering Swedish soil to stop Russia from using sports for propaganda. Sweden plans to implement restrictions ahead of the Nordic Ski World Championships in Falun in February, including measures to restrict entry even for individuals holding visas issued by other Schengen nations.
Similarly, Estonia informed the International Ski Federation (FIS) that Russian and Belarusian competitors will not be permitted to participate in events on its territory, including upcoming world championships in Otepää. Norwegian officials also confirmed plans to block entry for professional athletes and support staff from both countries.
Sources: Der Spiegel, FAZ, The Local Sweden, ERR, VG (Verdens Gang)
Sources
- ERR — Estonia to ski federation: Russian athletes will not compete on our snow
- VG (Verdens Gang) — Svensk minister varsler: Skal stenge Russland ute fra ski-VM
- Der Spiegel — Norwegen, Schweden und Estland sperren russische Sportler aus
- FAZ — Russische Sportler: „Müssen entschlossener handeln, und darauf bereiten wir uns vor“
- The Local Sweden — Sweden wants to block Russian athletes from competing in country: minister to AFP