The Nordic Country Ski Federation said on Saturday that Russian skiers are not welcome to compete in Norway because of “violations of international law and attacks on the Ukrainian people.”
Norway’s appeal goes directly to the International Ski Federation’s (ISF) policy announced on Friday night, after the winter sports powerhouse Beijing topped the Olympic medal table with 16 gold medals. At the final men’s medal in Beijing, cross-country skiers from Russia and Norway shared the podium at Birds Nest Stadium.
The Norwegian call came just days before Quitfjell and Oslo were set to host the Alpine and Cross-Country Skiing World Cup next weekend.
“The message of the Norwegian Ski Federation is very clear to Russia and to Russian athletes; We do not need your participation! He said in a statement.
The Norwegian Federation has said the Russian military occupation of Ukraine since Thursday requires “international condemnation and sanctions.”
“Sport does not care about this and cannot remain dormant in the face of what is happening now,” the statement read, promising to put pressure on Sports’ world governing body.
On Friday, the FIS withdrew the remaining World Cup matches from Russia, but later allowed the Russians to stay in the competition.
“Athletes will continue to compete in their name and in the country of Russia, however the FIS flag and anthem will be used for all official purposes, including ceremonies,” said the Russian-based ski body.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday called for a ban on the use of the Russian flag and anthem, and urged sports organizations to change or cancel scheduled events in Russia.
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