Oslo mayor urges government to bar Russian athletes from ski events

Oslo Mayor Lindbo has called on the Norwegian government to introduce a visa ban for Russian athletes so that they cannot compete at the skiing World Cup in Holmenkollen. The Oslo ski venue is due to host a World Cup round in Nordic skiing disciplines on 12–14 March next year.

Why the issue has come up

Lindbo says that last season Norwegian authorities allowed professional Russian athletes to enter the country for competitions. Norway applies a strict visa and entry policy to Russian citizens, but professional athletes are covered by an exception known as the work exception. The mayor believes the government should review whether it should be kept.

The issue is current because the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has eased the rules that allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutral participants. So far, 173 athletes have met the criteria.

The mayor's position

"Ukrainians fight every day for their country, their freedom and their right to decide their own future. While the war in Ukraine continues, Russian athletes have no place on the start line in Holmenkollen," Lindbo said. She believes the same stance should apply to all aggressor states, and adds that FIS opening the door does not mean the government must do the same.

The Norwegian Ski Federation is awaiting an answer before this winter's competitions. Its president, Roger Finjord, repeated last week that the organisation does not want Russia to take part, and that this position has been stated at both national and international level.

The situation in Sweden

Swedish public broadcaster SVT reported that the Swedish Ski Association has asked authorities not to issue visas to Russian and Belarusian athletes for the world championships in Falun in February. The Swedish government responded that it would assess the options.