This week, both Finland and Norway decided to stop Russian athletes from competing on Finnish and Norwegian soil.
We usually let sport take the lead in how we look at these things. But we have major concerns about the fact that they are now trying to normalise relations with Russia in different ways. So Sweden’s position is very close to those of Norway and Finland, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) told TT.
The problem is how to stop them. Many Russian athletes are already in the EU and have visas issued by other countries.
Around 80 Russian cross-country skiers have been cleared by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to compete as neutral athletes this winter.
They can get visas from other countries, but it is also about us controlling the border and who is allowed into the country. That is something else, Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M) says.
Stopped at the border
He points out that foreign citizens can, for example, be stopped on the grounds that they pose a threat to national security, even if they have a visa.
But then an individual assessment must be made, Forssell says.
The government is now analysing, among other things, how to stop Russian skiers at the border.
We want to find ways, within the framework of the constitution and without ministerial rule, to ensure that no Russian athletes come to Sweden, even if they have obtained a visa in another country, Forssell says.
We are working under high pressure and intend to present this in the near future.
Ministerial rule
Forssell does not want to specify what “near future” means, other than that it will be in good time before the World Ski Championships in Falun at the end of February.
Forssell points out that Finland has different legislation from Sweden and that Norway allows ministerial rule to a greater extent.
Finland has had a decision in place since 2023 barring Russian citizens from entering the country and recently clarified that the decision also applies to Russian athletes.
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