Estonia maintains ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes for upcoming championships

The Estonian government has notified the International Ski Federation that it will maintain a ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus participating in tournaments held on its territory. The Ministry of Culture issued this notification to ensure that international sporting events are not used for propaganda and to avoid undermining support for Ukraine. This decision upholds a ban that the Estonian government originally issued in 2022.

Upcoming international championships in Otepää

The decision to maintain these restrictions comes ahead of several major international sporting events scheduled to take place in Estonia. The country will host the FIS Alpine Skiing Junior World Championships, which includes both U18 and U23 categories, in Otepää from January 18 to January 24, 2027. Additionally, Estonia is scheduled to host the Biathlon World Championships in Otepää from February 9 to February 21, 2027.

The International Ski Federation has clarified its stance regarding host nation policies. While the federation's policy allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutral individuals provided they sign a declaration of neutrality, the federation stated that host country visa and entry policies are determined solely by the host nation. This means that even if an athlete meets the eligibility requirements of the International Ski Federation, they remain subject to the specific entry and visa regulations established by the host country.

Regional and international restrictions

Estonia is not the only nation implementing measures regarding the participation of Russian athletes. On November 12, 2026, Norway and Finland announced restrictions on Russian athletes. The restrictions set for Finland are scheduled to take effect on November 16, 2026. Furthermore, Canada announced similar restrictions on Russian athletes during the week preceding November 14, 2026.

The International Ski Federation has expressed its position on the matter, stating that it is committed to supporting athletes and organizers in navigating the complex situation. The federation maintains its existing framework which permits participation under neutral status for those who sign the required neutrality declaration, but it acknowledges that sovereign nations retain full control over their borders and visa protocols.

These current developments follow previous legal and regulatory shifts in the sporting world. In September 2026, the International Ski Federation relaxed its rules to allow for neutral competition for Russian and Belarusian athletes. This occurred after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on a case involving the International Ice Hockey Federation regarding Russian bans in October 2025.

Glossary

• International Ski Federation — The International Ski Federation is one of the seven international federations of Winter Olympic sports. It manages media and sponsorship rights for various FIS World Cup events and World Championships.
• Otepää — Otepää is a small town located in the hills of south Estonia. It is known as the Winter Capital of Estonia and is a prominent winter sports centre in the Baltics.
• Biathlon World Championships — The Biathlon World Championships is an international sporting event.