Norway and Finland Plan to Bar Russian Athletes for as Long as the War in Ukraine Continues

Norway's government has announced that it will deny entry to Russian and Belarusian athletes who want to travel to the country for competitions, along with their support staff. The restrictions are meant to last as long as Russia's war in Ukraine continues. Finland has already announced comparable measures. Together, the steps reflect a Nordic response to international sports bodies easing their stance on Russian competitors.

Norway's decision

Norway's Ministry of Justice and Public Security will instruct the Directorate of Immigration and the National Police Directorate to refuse entry to athletes from Russia and Belarus arriving for competitions. The rules will also cover support staff.

Norway already applies strict visa and entry rules to people from both countries. However, international sports federations have relaxed their own rules, allowing more elite athletes and support staff from Russia and Belarus to travel to Norway for events. The government intends to keep professional athletes and their staff from these countries out for as long as the war continues. The changes will take effect "soon," the government said.

Finland's position

Finland previously announced tighter entry rules for Russians. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said that as long as Russia's war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business being in Finland. The restrictions will also apply to athletes competing as neutrals.

Helsinki is due to host a figure skating Grand Prix event from November 20 to 22, which Russian skaters had planned to attend.

Background

Countries began imposing restrictions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Russia's national team should be allowed to return to international ice hockey tournaments. Several countries have already refused to play against Russia or to host tournaments if the Russian team is allowed to compete.