The key facts
- Elina Valtonen linked the initiative to the conflict in Ukraine and said she would seek the measures in the coming days
- Helsinki wants to extend the restrictions to the entire Schengen area; in October the minister had already approached her EU colleagues
- In 2027 Finland will host the World Figure Skating Championships in Tampere and part of the Women's EuroBasket in Espoo
Finland's Foreign Ministry initiative
Finland intends to restrict the participation of Russian athletes in competitions on its territory in 2027. This was announced on the social network X by the country's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, who linked the initiative to the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine. According to her, she will seek the necessary measures in the coming days, and Helsinki expects to extend the restrictions to the entire Schengen area. Valtonen said that back in October she had approached her colleagues from EU countries with a proposal to tighten entry rules for Russian athletes. This is reported by Life.ru.
Which events could be affected by the measures
The minister did not specify exactly which sporting events could be affected by the new restrictions. However, in 2027 Finland will host two major tournaments: from March 17 to 21, the World Figure Skating Championships will be held in Tampere, and the country will also be one of the hosts of the Women's European Basketball Championship — matches will take place, among other venues, in Espoo.
Contradiction with the recent admission of skiers
Valtonen's statement contrasts with the position reported a day earlier. On October 29, the head of the Finnish Ski Association, Sirpa Korkatti, said that the country is willing to admit Russian skiers to international competitions on its territory. According to her, the organization still has a negative attitude toward the return of Russians, but is obliged to comply with the decisions of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. The first World Cup stage of the new season is scheduled to take place in the Finnish village of Ruka from November 27 to 29, and Russian athletes who have received neutral status will be able to take part in it.
What remains unclear
For now, the minister's statement remains a political initiative: it has not been specified what measures Finland plans to take and in what order, nor whether the proposal will receive support from other Schengen countries. It is also unknown whether the possible restrictions will affect skiers, whose participation in the Ruka World Cup has already been agreed. Thus, at present two opposing signals coexist: a readiness to host neutral Russian athletes at specific events and an intention to tighten entry rules from 2027.
