Finland Will Bar Russian Athletes From Entering the Country Over the Ukraine War

Finland will restrict entry to the country for Russian athletes because of Russia's war in Ukraine. The Finnish government's decision could affect a number of international winter sports events.

Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, said: 'As long as Russia's war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business in Finland.' She said 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, she said.

The Finnish foreign ministry said the measure would affect Russians competing under neutral status as well as those competing for national teams. In other words, Russian athletes will not be able to enter Finland even if they compete under a neutral flag.

The move follows a backlash in Finland to Russia being reinstated for the ice hockey world championships. Finland is among a group of European teams to have vowed not to play against Russia at those championships.

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, due to be held in Tampere. Russian skaters are expected to be among the top medal contenders at that event.

The International Skating Union (ISU) said it 'has taken note' of the Finnish government's statement and is studying its implications for sporting events, including the ISU figure skating world championships. The ISU said athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments, and added that it was 'seeking clarifications' from skating officials in Finland.

The change takes effect from Monday, so it should not affect this week's NHL games in Helsinki between the Seattle Kraken and the Carolina Hurricanes, or the scheduled ski World Cup slalom races in Levi on Saturday and Sunday.

In the longer term, Finland is due to host the European track and field championships in 2030. World Athletics, the sport's governing body, maintains a blanket ban on Russian participation, though that is facing a legal challenge. The men's ice hockey world championships are scheduled for Germany, which is weighing up whether to go ahead with hosting.