Finland and Norway are implementing new restrictions to bar Russian athletes from participating in international sports competitions on their soil as Russia’s conflict with Ukraine persists. Norway’s restrictions extend to Belarusian athletes and their support teams.
Starting November 16, Finland will enforce stricter visa and entry regulations for Russian athletes, even those competing under a neutral status. The Finnish government, led by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, declared that professional sports would not be considered a valid reason for short-term entry, regardless of whether athletes are traveling directly from Russia or through another Schengen area country. Valtonen emphasized that Russian athletes should not participate in Finland while the war continues, accusing Moscow of using sports as a propaganda tool.
In Norway, authorities have been instructed to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and their accompanying staff from entering the country for sporting events. These restrictions are anticipated to come into effect soon.
The new regulations could impact significant international competitions, such as the cross-country skiing World Cup in Trondheim scheduled for December and the Figure Skating World Championships planned in Tampere in March 2027. The International Skating Union is currently seeking clarification from Finnish organizers regarding how the restrictions will affect these events.
These measures pose a challenge to international sports federations that have allowed the return of some Russian and Belarusian athletes under neutral status. Meanwhile, Ukraine has expressed support for Finland’s decision and is urging other European nations to consider similar actions.