Estonia has become the latest country to refuse entry to Russian and Belarusian athletes, ruling that competitors from the two nations cannot take part in events staged on its territory while the war in Ukraine continues. The government has also written to the International Ski Federation (FIS) arguing that letting them in would undercut Estonia’s backing for Ukraine and hand Moscow a propaganda platform.
The Estonian move follows similar commitments from Norway, Finland and Canada and reflects widening resistance to the return of Russian and Belarusian competitors to international sport.
Estonia targets skiing’s relaxed entry rules
Estonia’s objection is aimed squarely at the FIS, which in September eased the terms under which athletes from the two countries may enter its events. Under the revised policy, competitors are granted access “provided that they sign a declaration of neutrality” — a lighter requirement than the more stringent background checks previously applied to any voluntary link or paid duty with the military.
Participation remains confined to individual events, and athletes are barred from displaying national symbols, including flags, anthems and uniforms.
Estonia’s government argued in its letter that admitting Russian and Belarusian entrants would undermine the country’s support for Ukraine and create an opening for propaganda.
The FIS said it “is committed to offering full support to athletes, national ski associations and local organisers – with most of which we have a long-standing relationship – in the process of navigating what we know to be a very complex situation.” The federation added that its Individual Neutral Athlete policy is explicit that eligibility does not override host-country visa and entry rules, which “remain in place and are determined solely by the host country.” The FIS said it “bears no responsibility for denial of visas or entry to any person granted eligibility” under that policy.
Norway and Finland close their borders
Norway and Finland announced their own visa blocks this week. Norway is preparing to stage a cross-country skiing World Cup next month, while Finland is due to host the figure skating world championships in March.
The International Skating Union said it “believes that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments in a world where, sadly, many conflicts are ongoing,” and that it was “seeking clarifications” from Finnish officials.
Hockey ruling sharpens the split
Hockey has produced the sharpest division. Last month the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation’s ban on Russia, a ruling condemned by the British, German, Finnish and Czech federations. Russia had been suspended from IIHF events since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but the Russian Ice Hockey Federation appealed successfully to the court.
The Canadian government has told its hockey authorities it will not issue visas for Russians to play in next month’s World Junior Championship — including those already playing for clubs in Canada — for as long as the war goes on. Several countries had said they would refuse to face Russia if it were readmitted.
Readmission gathers pace despite protests
Despite the controversy, the return of Russia and Belarus to international competition has gathered pace this year. In March, athletes from both countries were allowed to compete under their national flags at the Winter Paralympics after the International Paralympic Committee lifted partial suspensions. In July, the International Olympic Committee provisionally reinstated Russia to its competitions, stating that a ban introduced in 2023 after the invasion was “no longer applicable.”
Federations nonetheless retain authority over their own eligibility criteria. World Gymnastics, World Aquatics and World Boxing have all removed restrictions on Russian athletes, while World Athletics maintains a total ban. Last month it was announced that Moscow will host the 2030 World Weightlifting Championships — the first time an Olympic federation has chosen to stage a global event in Russia since the 2022 invasion.