NEWS
FIS criticized: Organizers resist Russia's return
The FIS is allowing athletes from Russia in the upcoming World Cup season. Sweden and Norway are now considering preventing the participation of Russian athletes.
After the FIS allowed more athletes from Russia and Belarus as "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AIN) (More Info>>>), several countries are now opposing their participation.
Barely a month before the start of the World Cup winter, resistance is building, particularly in Scandinavia. The federation's decision is apparently not the final word.
"War is not over"
In Sweden, the government is already concretely examining whether it can refuse visas. Migration Minister Johan Forssell told Reuters that they are currently analyzing the legal basis on which this would be possible, even for athletes with AIN status.
There is an obvious risk that their participation would normalize Russian aggression against Ukraine. "The war isn't over just because there's a Ski World Championships," he is quoted as saying.
Nordic Ski World Championships 2027 in Sweden
The background is the Nordic Ski World Championships in Falun, which takes place from February 24 to March 7. The program includes ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined.
The Swedish Ski Association, together with the umbrella organization "Riksidrottsförbundet", has approached the government to prevent visas for Russian athletes.
"We don't want Russian participation"
Norway is also increasing pressure. The federation is demanding a response from the government before the start of winter.
"Our stance has been the same all along. We do not want Russian participation," said Roger Finjord, President of Norway's federation. He wants a signal from public authorities on how they evaluate visa rules and had previously asked the authorities for clarification.
Klimov participation controversial
The admission of Evgeniy Klimov is particularly controversial. The ski jumper won silver in the mixed team at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Critics recall that in February 2022, shortly after the start of the war, he displayed the Russian flag on his gloves to cameras at a World Cup. He is also reported to have later appeared at an event with President Vladimir Putin.
