Sweden urges EU to restrict entry of Russian skiers for 2027 World Championships
Sweden's government has asked the European Commission to tighten visa rules for Russian and Belarusian athletes. The move is tied to the 2027 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun.
The Swedish government has sent a letter to the European Commission calling for stricter visa rules for Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in international sporting events in Europe, Swedish newspaper Expressen reported. The initiative is linked to the upcoming FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun, Sweden, which are set to begin in late February 2027.
What Sweden is asking for
Stockholm wants the European Commission to draft EU-wide legislation that would allow visa applications to be rejected on the basis of nationality. Until such a law is adopted, the government proposes stricter common guidelines for handling visa applications.
Sweden also stresses that athletes should not be able to obtain a visa in another EU member state and then use freedom of movement to enter Sweden.
Why the issue has come up
According to Expressen, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has cleared 45 Russians to compete under "neutral" status in adult, youth and junior events in the coming season.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell said Russia's war against Ukraine is continuing while Russian athletes prepare for competitions. Sports Minister Jakob Forssmed noted that the Swedish Ski Association does not want to see Russian athletes at the start line of the championships.
Background
In 2025, the FIS allowed Russian skiers to take part in international competitions with "neutral" status. Ahead of the 2026–2027 season, the requirements for obtaining that status were significantly relaxed. As a result, people who had openly supported the military aggression against Ukraine were also cleared. They include ski jumper Yevgeniy Klimov, who attended a rally at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium in March 2022.
