Sudden stop for the Russians in Norway too: Barred from competing in Norway, they now face closed borders across all of Scandinavia.

Norwegian authorities are significantly tightening visa rules to prevent athletes from Russia and Belarus from taking part in sports events on Norwegian soil. A press release from the government late Thursday evening states:

“The Ministry of Justice and Public Security will therefore instruct the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and the Norwegian Police Directorate (POD) to turn away Russian and Belarusian professional athletes and accompanying support staff, under the Immigration Act, if they come to Norway to take part in sports competitions. The changes will take effect shortly.”

The Norwegian statement comes after the Finnish government decided on Thursday morning that Russian athletes are not welcome in Finland. 

Norwegian authorities justify the decision to deny visas to Russian athletes by saying that President Vladimir Putin’s regime uses sport in its propaganda and to promote the goals of its warfare. 

Also Read – Now: Denied visas, threatening legal action

Unclear consequences

The new Finnish rules apply from Monday, November 16. This means the restrictions will not affect this weekend’s season opener in Muonio. 

Several high-profile Russian skiers are entered there. Erik Valnes will also race. The ski star is one of 34 Norwegian skiers taking part in the race weekend in Muonio. The program includes a classic sprint on Friday, 10 kilometers classic on Saturday, and 10 kilometers freestyle on Sunday. 

Read More – Season opener in Muonio: the Finnish and international names to watch

It is still unclear whether the Finnish visa ban will apply to the World Cup opener in Ruka on November 27. Norway hosts three World Cup weekends this season. The first is in Trondheim from December 4 to 6.

Not well received

Both the Finnish and the Norwegian statements come just under a month after Swedish authorities announced that they are investigating whether and how they can prevent Russian athletes from taking part in the 2027 World Championships in Falun.

Also Read – Confusion over Bolshunov’s comeback: Reportedly denied neutral status

Russians furious

Thursday’s announcements are the latest in a longer development through the fall. Russian ski federation president Dmitri Svishchev is furious about the statements in recent weeks about denying visas to Russian skiers.

“‘We do not want Russians in our competitions, and we will take this further with the authorities.’ Why on earth should the Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish federations ask about such things? They have committed to holding competitions under clearly established rules, including visas for athletes regardless of their nationality. So come on and do what you have committed to,” he says angrily in an interview with Championat.

“They know very well that we will defend our athletes. We have made it clear to FIS that we will take it to court if we have to,” says Svishchev. 

Also Read: Season openers in cross-country skiing and biathlon: program and TV times

Live on SC Play

All races are streamed live and available on demand on SC Play, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights in all countries except Finland. Kjell-Erik Kristiansen commentates on all broadcasts. SC Play is included in the Proxcskiing.com membership.

WATCH THE OLOS/MUONIO SKI RACE WEEKEND ON SC PLAY

Also Read: Finnish Ski Premiere Olos/Muonio Live on SC Play

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