HELSINKI — Finland will restrict entry for Russian athletes because of the war in Ukraine, a measure that could affect several upcoming winter sports competitions, The Associated Press reported in a story published by Sportsnet.

The restrictions take effect Monday and will apply both to Russians representing national teams and to those competing as neutral athletes, according to Finland’s foreign ministry. Neutral status will therefore not exempt athletes from the entry measure.

“As long as Russia’s war of aggression continues, Russian athletes have no business in Finland. Their entry into the country would be a threat to Finland’s international relations,” Foreign Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen said in a statement.

Valtonen said the same position applied to other short-term work under visas that is not essential to Finland’s national interests.

The announcement follows a backlash in Finland over Russia’s reinstatement for the world hockey championships. Finland is among a group of European teams that have vowed not to play against Russia at upcoming championships, AP reported.

But the entry restrictions could have their greatest effect outside hockey. Finland is scheduled to host a figure skating Grand Prix next week and a cross-country skiing World Cup this month. Both sports allow Russian competitors to participate under neutral status.

A larger potential impact lies ahead at the figure skating world championships in Tampere in March. Russian skaters are expected to be among the leading medal contenders, making that competition one of the major events likely to be affected.

The timing means this week’s NHL games in Helsinki between the Seattle Kraken and Carolina Hurricanes do not appear likely to be affected, according to AP.

Further ahead, Finland will host the European track and field championships in 2030. World Athletics currently maintains a blanket ban on Russian participation, although that prohibition faces a legal challenge.

Sources