The Swedish government has sent a letter of protest to the European Commission, urging it to speed up new visa rules so that Russian and Belarusian citizens can be denied visas.
This is causing concern in Russia.
A world championship is one of an athlete’s main goals, something they prepare for over several years. We want the best athletes to gather in Falun on objective sporting grounds, so that fans can experience a championship remembered for outstanding skiing, not political discussions, says Jelena Välbe, head of cross-country skiing at the Russian Ski Federation.
Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe wants Norway to ban Russian skiers from competing in the World Cup event at Holmenkollen in mid-March.
We understand that this issue arouses strong emotions in Norway, but such statements are only regrettable, says Välbe.
The World Ski Championships in Falun will take place in late February and early March.
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