He also criticised countries opposing Russia’s return to international sporting competitions.

HELSINKI: Finland and Norway have announced new restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, potentially preventing them from competing in international sporting events hosted by the two Nordic countries amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Finland’s government announced on Thursday that it would tighten visa restrictions for Russian athletes, including those competing under a neutral flag, saying their presence in the country was unacceptable while Russia’s war against Ukraine continued.

Hours after Finland’s announcement, Norway also declared that it would prevent professional Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing on its territory.

Finland’s new resolution introduces stricter conditions for Russian citizens seeking short-term work visas, including those travelling for professional sporting activities.

According to the Finnish Foreign Ministry, Russian citizens will only be permitted to work under a Schengen visa in activities considered essential to Finland’s national interests.

Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said Russian athletes had no place in Finland as long as the war continued, arguing that their entry could affect the country’s international relations.

The restrictions are scheduled to take effect on November 16.

Finland’s Decision Raises Questions Over Figure Skating Championships

Finland is scheduled to host the Figure Skating World Championships in Tampere in March 2027.

Following the announcement, the International Skating Union (ISU) said it was examining the possible implications of the Finnish government’s decision.

The ISU maintained that athletes should not be held responsible for the actions of their governments, particularly given the number of ongoing international conflicts.

The organisation added that it was seeking further clarification from the Finnish event organisers.

Valtonen said the restrictions were intended to prevent Russia from using sporting events to promote messages supporting its military campaign in Ukraine.

She also accused Moscow of using sports as a tool for propaganda.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga welcomed Finland’s decision and urged other European countries to close remaining loopholes and strengthen coordinated pressure on Russia.

Norway Also Restricts Russian and Belarusian Athletes

Norway said it already maintained strict visa regulations for Russian and Belarusian citizens but had become concerned about recent relaxations introduced by international sports federations.

According to the Norwegian government, these changes could allow more athletes and support personnel from the two countries to enter Norway for international competitions.

The announcement comes as Norway prepares to host a World Cup cross-country skiing event in Trondheim in December.

The new restrictions could prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating even if they receive clearance from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Dispute Over Russia’s Return to International Sports

Finland’s announcement follows an October 30 ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which opened the possibility of Russia’s national ice hockey team returning to the World Championships next year.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), which suspended Russian participation following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, had opposed the CAS decision.

Several European countries, including Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Czech Republic, have also indicated that they would refuse to play against Russia at the World Championships in Germany.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said last week that Russia would not be allowed to participate in the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships in Alberta.

Meanwhile, the Finnish city of Turku has announced that it will withdraw from hosting the 2027-28 edition of the tournament if Russia is allowed to participate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently praised the International Olympic Committee and the Court of Arbitration for Sport for decisions he said upheld the Olympic Charter and its principles.

He also criticised countries opposing Russia’s return to international sporting competitions.