Estonia Blocks Russian and Belarusian Athletes as Backlash Grows

Estonia will not let Russian or Belarusian athletes compete on its territory, holding the line on a ban it first issued in 2022. Its government has written to the International Ski Federation (FIS) arguing that allowing them in would undermine Estonia's support for Ukraine and offer an opening for propaganda. The country joins Norway, Finland and Canada, which have all announced similar positions.

The FIS told BBC Sport it is committed to supporting athletes, national ski associations and local organisers through what it called a very complex situation. But it pointed out that under its Individual Neutral Athlete policy, host country visa and entry rules still apply and are decided solely by the host country. The federation said it bears no responsibility when someone who is eligible is refused a visa or entry.

In September, the FIS relaxed its rules, saying competitors from Russia and Belarus could enter its events if they signed a declaration of neutrality. Previously they faced tougher background checks over any voluntary link or paid duty with the military. Participation is still limited to individual events, with national flags, anthems and uniforms banned.

On Thursday, Norway and Finland both said they would block visas for Russian athletes over the war in Ukraine. Norway is preparing to host the cross-country skiing World Cup next month, while Finland is due to stage the figure skating world championships in March. The International Skating Union said athletes should not be punished for their governments' actions and that it was seeking clarifications from Finnish officials.

Last month, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the International Ice Hockey Federation's ban on Russia, ruling that arguments about safety and security were not backed by sufficient evidence. The Hockey Federation of Ukraine called the decision a source of special outrage, and the British, German, Finnish and Czech federations condemned it. Canada has since told its hockey authorities it will not issue visas for Russians at next month's World Junior Championship, including players already signed to Canadian teams.

The return of Russia and Belarus has been picking up pace regardless. In March, athletes from both countries competed under their national flags at the Winter Paralympics after partial suspensions were lifted, and in July the International Olympic Committee provisionally reinstated Russia. World Gymnastics, World Aquatics and World Boxing have dropped their restrictions, while World Athletics keeps a total ban. Moscow will host the 2030 World Weightlifting Championships, the first global event staged in Russia by an Olympic federation since the 2022 invasion.