Estonia has imposed a nationwide ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus entering the country to take part in international tournaments.
This is stated in the country’s official letter to the International Ski Federation (FIS), reports Suspilne Sport.
In early September, the FIS eased the conditions for admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions under “neutral” status. Instead of enhanced checks on athletes for any links to Russia’s and Belarus’s military or security structures, the restrictions now apply only to those who voluntarily signed a contract.
Despite the FIS decision, a number of countries have spoken out against the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competition. Estonia is among them.
“Estonia immediately condemned Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, and since the start of the war the Estonian government, the Ministry of Culture and the Estonian Olympic Committee have unanimously held that athletes and teams from Russia and Belarus should not take part in international sporting competitions until the war in Ukraine ends,” the ministry’s appeal to the FIS says.
The country’s Ministry of Culture noted that the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions in Estonia would run counter to the government’s position on supporting Ukraine. Separately, the ministry warned against international media coverage of sporting events being used for Russian and Belarusian propaganda.
- From 16 November, Finland is introducing restrictions on entry for Russian athletes, as well as other Russian citizens travelling on visas for short-term activities.