European nations tighten bans on Russian athletes as winter events approach
Finland and Norway have announced that they will bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from entering their territories for competitions while the war in Ukraine continues. Sweden also plans to prohibit Russian participants from the Nordic Ski World Championships in Falun in February. The bans affect upcoming events such as a figure skating Grand Prix in Helsinki (20‑22 Nov), the World Cup in cross‑country skiing in Trondheim (December), and the Figure Skating World Championships in Tampere (March 2027). Meanwhile, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled that Russian ice‑hockey teams may return to international tournaments, a decision that some federations and sponsors have condemned.
Key facts
- Finland limits work permits for Russian Schengen visa holders to essential national‑interest jobs, excluding sports.
- Russian Ice Hockey Federation President Vladislav Tretiak threatens legal action against Canada and Germany if they block Russian teams.
- Canada will not allow Russian players in the IIHF World Junior Championship starting 26 Dec in Alberta.
- Several national hockey associations say Norway was dropped from the World Juniors to make room for Russia, though the IIHF has not confirmed.
- The International Ski and Snowboard Federation permits Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete only without national symbols.
Summarised with AI from 5 sources · Updated 02:11Read our AI policy
Why it matters
Restrictions could reshape participation in major winter sports events across Europe.
What changed
Summary updated
Yahoo Sports and Al Jazeera English joined as sources
Summary updated
First published from Yle News, CNA, The Moscow Times, Meduza and The Guardian