Sweden examines visa refusals for Russian and Belarusian skiers

Sweden’s government is examining legal grounds to refuse visas to Russian and Belarusian athletes ahead of the World Championships in Falun, Migration Minister Johan Forssell told broadcaster SVT.

The Swedish Ski Association asked the Swedish Sports Confederation to raise entry restrictions with the foreign ministry. Association secretary-general Pernilla Bonde said the organisation had to follow the decision allowing athletes to compete, although it opposed that decision.

Confederation deputy chair Toralf Nilsson confirmed to SVT that sporting representatives were discussing the issue with the government. Forssell described the authorities’ work as an examination of legal possibilities for visa refusals.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete subject to neutral-status requirements. The Falun World Championships run from February 24 to March 7, 2027, featuring cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined.