Norway introduced a ban on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions. Reuters. Norwegian authorities have said they will deport Russian and Belarusian professional athletes and their staff if they try to enter the country to participate in sporting events. The decision comes as the IOC and several federations have taken steps in recent months to restore Russia's participation in international competitions. The decision, which Oslo said will take effect "soon," could affect the participation of Russia and Belarus in several World Cup events this winter, including the first ski jumping event in Lillehammer from November 20 to 22. "Russian elite sport is closely related to the Russian authorities and government agencies. Therefore, the government believes that Russia's participation in international sports competitions cannot be considered separately from Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine," the Norwegian government said.
"Belarus supported and contributed to Russia's conduct in the war," the statement added. Several other countries have stated that their national teams will not compete against Russia, and Russian teams will be denied visas. Finland, in particular, announced a ban on participation of Russian athletes, including those acting as neutral participants, in the cross-country skiing World Cup in Rokka this month. Canada has announced it will deny Russian players and officials entry to the World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta in December. Poland will deny visas to Russian ski jumpers to participate in the World Cup in Vistula in December and in Zakopane in January.