The restrictions prevent Russian competitors from attending World Cup cross-country skiing and men's ski jumping in Ruka from November 27 to 29, as well as a February event in Lahti. Although the International Ski and Snowboard Federation permits neutral athletes in individual contests, it conceded that host countries dictate entry rules and disclaimed responsibility for rejected visas. Similar restrictions are spreading across the winter sports calendar, with Poland denying visas for ski jumping events in Wisla and Zakopane while Sweden explores comparable bans.
Key points
Host country border controls are actively superseding international federation rules that…: Host country border controls are actively superseding international federation rules that permit Russians to compete as neutrals.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation explicitly holds host nations responsible…: The International Ski and Snowboard Federation explicitly holds host nations responsible for entry guidelines and visa decisions.
European nations including Poland and Sweden are actively coordinating or considering sim…: European nations including Poland and Sweden are actively coordinating or considering similar bans across international winter sports tournaments.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Nov 12 : Finland will ban Russian athletes — including those competing as neutrals — ahead of this month's cross-country skiing World Cup opener in Ruka, the government said on Thursday.
As of November 16, Russian citizens with Schengen visas will only be allowed into Finland to work in tasks that are deemed essential to the country's national interests, the government said in a statement. That excludes sport, it said.
"As Russia's war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business coming to Finland. Their entry would endanger Finland's international relations," Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said.
The far northern Finnish resort of Ruka will host the men's and women's 10km classic races, classic sprints and 20km freestyle mass starts from November 27 to 29. The World Cup returns to Finland for races in the city of Lahti from February 12 to 14. Ruka will also host the men's World Cup ski jumping on November 28 and 29.
COUNTRIES DENY VISAS
Poland's foreign ministry told Reuters on Wednesday it would refuse visas to Russian ski jumpers for World Cup events in…
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