Sweden urges EU visa curbs on Russian athletes

Sweden's government called on the European Union on Friday to tighten visa rules for athletes representing Russia and Belarus in international sporting events.

The government said it had sent a letter to the European Commission asking it to review visa rules for Russian citizens participating in international competitions. It said the aim was a more consistent and restrictive EU approach toward people representing Russia and Belarus.

Migration Minister Johan Forssell said there should be no normalisation of Russian and Belarusian participation in international sport while the war in Ukraine continues and Belarus remains complicit.

The call came after a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling opened the door for Russia's men's and women's ice hockey teams to return to the world championships next year. Sweden is also preparing to host the World Ski Championships in Falun from February. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation has allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under conditions including not displaying national symbols.