World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Finland and Norway plan to bar Russian athletes while war continues
Finland and Norway plan to bar Russian athletes from entering their countries for competitions while the war in Ukraine continues.
Norway’s planned restrictions would also cover Belarusian athletes and support staff, and its government says they will take effect soon.
Finland has already announced tighter entry rules for Russians, including athletes competing as neutrals.
The measures come as international sports federations have eased rules that let more Russian and Belarusian athletes travel to competitions.
Finland’s rules could affect Russian skaters expected at a figure skating Grand Prix in Helsinki from November 20 to 22.
Countries have imposed restrictions after a sports arbitration court ruled Russia’s national ice hockey team should be allowed back into international tournaments.
Some countries have also refused to play Russia or host tournaments if its team is allowed to compete.
Norway plans to deny entry to Russian and Belarusian athletes and their support staff traveling to the country for sports competitions.
The restrictions are intended to remain in place while the war in Ukraine continues.
Finland has also tightened entry rules for Russian athletes, including those competing as neutrals.
Norway said the new rules will take effect soon.
The measures follow moves by international sports bodies to relax restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus.
- Who
- Norway’s government plans to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes and their support staff; Finland has tightened rules for Russian athletes.
- What
- The countries are restricting entry for athletes traveling to competitions.
- When
- Norway’s changes will take effect soon. Finland tightened its rules on November 12.
- Where
- Norway and Finland.
- Why
- Norway cited relaxed rules by international sports bodies; both countries said restrictions apply while the war in Ukraine continues.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
It became known that Canada would not issue visas to Russians seeking to take part in the youth world ice hockey championship.
Finland tightened entry restrictions for Russian citizens traveling for non-essential purposes, including athletes.
Norway’s new restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes and support staff are expected to take effect.
- Countries
- Norway and Finland
- People affected in Norway
- Russian and Belarusian athletes and accompanying support staff
- Norwegian agencies
- Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and National Police Directorate (POD)
- Finland event
- Helsinki figure skating Grand Prix, November 20–22
- Norwegian timing
- The restrictions will take effect soon
3 sources
What people are saying
as long as Russia’s war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business being in Finland
The government does not intend to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete on Norwegian territory while the conflict in Ukraine continues