Several Russian skiers have been given the go-ahead by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to compete as neutral athletes next season.
The Swedish Ski Association is not pleased.
"The ski federation has been clear that we believe Russian and Belarusian skiers should not be allowed to compete as long as the war continues. FIS has decided that approved Russian and Belarusian skiers should be allowed to compete, and we have to deal with that," the ski federation's Secretary General, Pernilla Bonde, tells TT.
Deny visas
SVT was the first to report that the ski association, together with the Swedish Sports Confederation (RF), is now trying to get the government to deny Russian and Belarusian skiers visas for the World Championships in Falun at the turn of February and March.
"From what we understand, other countries have taken this approach and are not issuing visas," Bonde says.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M), who is responsible for visa policy, tells TT that the government also does not want Russian or Belarusian skiers in Sweden.
"The reason is that Russia is waging a terrible war of aggression in Ukraine," he says.
Forssell wants to see a general ban on Russians receiving tourist visas in Europe, an issue he has pushed for in the EU.
"I find it offensive that, while Ukrainian families are forced to seek refuge from Russia, several hundred thousand Russians can travel to Europe on holiday."
Before such legislation is possibly in place, Forssell says there are other ways for Sweden to stop the skiers, for example, if they are considered a security threat or if they can be considered to be spreading propaganda in support of the war. However, each case must be examined individually.
"When they take part in the competition, it unfortunately contributes to the normalization of Russia's ongoing war of aggression."
"The war is not over just because it's the World Ski Championships," he says.
Not worried
Pernilla Bonde is not worried that the move will damage the Swedish Ski Association's relationship with FIS.
"We have a very good dialogue with FIS, and Sweden has been clear about its position on the issue. So I'm not worried," she says.
Ahead of the upcoming season, a total of 13 Russian skiers have received the green light from FIS, Expressen reports.
Several international sports federations have recently eased the restrictions imposed on Russian athletes after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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