Finnish authorities cited the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and diplomatic interests as primary drivers behind the new border policy. While immediate events like this week's NHL games in Helsinki will proceed without disruption, future tournaments including March's figure skating world championships in Tampere face major logistical adjustments. Meanwhile, the International Skating Union is seeking clarification on the mandate, maintaining that individual athletes should not face penalties for state actions.
Key points
Finnish officials determined that allowing Russian competitors to enter the country prese…: Finnish officials determined that allowing Russian competitors to enter the country presents a direct threat to international relations.
The International Skating Union is reviewing the legal and logistical implications of the…: The International Skating Union is reviewing the legal and logistical implications of the government's border restrictions.
Finland has joined several European nations in refusing to compete against Russian squads…: Finland has joined several European nations in refusing to compete against Russian squads at the upcoming ice hockey world championships.
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Finland says it will restrict entry to the country for Russian athletes because of the war in Ukraine, potentially affecting a number of winter sports. The move follows a backlash in Finland to Russia being reinstated for the ice hockey world championships.
“As long as Russia’s war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business in Finland,” said Elina Valtonen, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. “Their entry into the country would be a threat to Finland’s international relations. The same is true of other short-term work under visas that is not essential to Finland’s national interests.”
The Finnish foreign ministry said the measure would affect Russians competing under neutral status as well as those competing for national teams.
Finland hosts a figure skating grand prix next week and a cross-country ski World Cup this month. Both sports allow Russians to compete as “neutral athletes”. One major event to be affected is the figure skating world championships in March. Russian skaters are expected to be among the top medal contenders.
The International Skating Union (ISU) said it “has taken note of…
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