Finland prepares new entry restrictions for Russian athletes ahead of NHL games in Helsinki
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo says the Foreign Ministry is preparing additional entry restrictions for Russian citizens, including professional athletes. Two NHL games are scheduled in Helsinki next week, with Russian players expected to take part.
Finland's Foreign Ministry is preparing new entry restrictions for Russian citizens, including professional athletes, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has said. According to him, the measures will be ready quickly. Orpo believes a complete ban on Russians entering Finland would be a "logical next step."
Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports that Helsinki will host two NHL (North American ice hockey league) games next week, and Russian players are expected to play in them. Russian athletes are also expected at the Finlandia Trophy figure skating competition in Helsinki on 20–21 November, and at a cross-country skiing World Cup event in Ruka on 27–29 November.
Background: dispute over Russia's hockey team
In October, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Russia's national team must be reinstated in international hockey tournaments. The International Ice Hockey Federation criticized the ruling but said it intended to comply. Several Northern European hockey federations, including those of Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Denmark and Czechia, have said they will refuse to play against the Russian national team in international tournaments.
Finland restricted entry for Russian citizens after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Among other steps, the country stopped issuing tourist visas to Russians.
