Sweden is considering the possibility of refusing visas to Russian and Belarusian athletes, even if international sports federations have allowed them to compete under a neutral flag. The country's government is concerned that their participation in competitions would contribute to the normalization of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Reuters reports this, citing Sweden's Migration Minister Johan Forssell, writes UNN.
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According to the minister, the authorities are already examining legal mechanisms that would allow them to restrict the entry of athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in international tournaments.
We are currently analyzing the legal grounds on which Russian and Belarusian athletes may be denied visas
Sweden fears the normalization of Russian aggression
The minister emphasized that the government is categorically opposed to the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions. In his view, this creates a risk of the gradual justification of the war against Ukraine.
There is an obvious risk that this could lead to the normalization of Russia's aggression against Ukraine
The potential restrictions could affect athletes' participation in the World Championships in skiing disciplines, scheduled for February–March 2027 in Falun, Sweden. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation has already granted neutral status to several Russians.
The Swedish Ski Association and the Swedish Sports Confederation support barring representatives of Russia and Belarus from competitions while the war continues. At the same time, final decisions on issuing visas and granting entry permits will be made by Sweden's state authorities.