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Estonia latest country to ban Russian athletes
Estonia has told the International Ski Federation (FIS) it will not allow Russian or Belarusian athletes to enter the country, arguing their participation could undermine its support for Ukraine and enable propaganda. The decision adds to a growing dispute over the return of athletes from the two countries to international sport.
The FIS has allowed some Russian and Belarusian competitors to take part in individual events if they meet its neutrality rules, but host countries retain control over visas and entry. Norway and Finland have also said they will block visas, while Canada will refuse visas for Russian players at next month’s World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. Sports bodies remain divided: some have eased restrictions, while World Athletics continues its ban.
In short
- Estonia will bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from entering.
- Norway, Finland and Canada have announced similar restrictions.
- Sports organisations remain divided over athletes’ return.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Estonia can argue that allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, even under neutral status, risks lending legitimacy to states waging war and giving them opportunities for propaganda. As host, it also has responsibility for national security and public confidence, and can choose who enters its territory.
The case against
Sporting participation should generally be judged by individual conduct rather than nationality, especially when athletes compete without flags or other state symbols. Excluding them through host-country visa bans may punish people who have not supported the war, undermine consistent international rules and make sport more vulnerable to political pressure.