Sweden Examines Refusing Visas to Russian and Belarusian Athletes: Migration Minister Forssell Cites Legal Review Ahead of Falun Ski Championships
Sweden is examining whether it can refuse visas to Russian and Belarusian athletes seeking to compete in international sporting events on its soil, Migration Minister Johan Forssell told Reuters on Wednesday, October 21, a move that could block even competitors cleared by their governing bodies. "We are currently analysing the legal grounds on which visas for Russian and Belarusian athletes could be refused," Forssell said in a statement, adding that the Swedish government is strongly critical of Russian and Belarusian athletes being allowed to participate in international competitions.
The move could prevent athletes granted neutral status from taking part in next year's Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun, scheduled for February and March and covering cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has granted neutral status to several Russian athletes, making them eligible for its events; FIS did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Forssell said the government supported the position of the Swedish Ski Association and the Swedish Sports Confederation that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be allowed to compete in Sweden, saying there was "an obvious risk that this could lead to the normalization of Russia's aggression against Ukraine."
The Swedish Sports Confederation told Reuters it is in dialogue with the government regarding visa regulations for Russian citizens. Swedish Ski Association Secretary General Pernilla Bonde said the association's position since Russia's invasion of Ukraine was that Russian and Belarusian athletes should remain excluded while the war continues, but stressed that visa and entry decisions rest with the authorities and the association would comply with FIS decisions and regulations. Russia has previously challenged international sports bans at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. (Compiled from Reuters, October 21)
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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