Norway and Finland have decided to bar Russian athletes from competing in their countries while the war in Ukraine continues. Sweden has not made an equivalent decision: Sports Minister Jakob Forssmed told Dagens Nyheter that the government is analysing whether Sweden can act.
Forssmed also said it is “very important” that Russian athletes not be allowed to participate. That puts the issue on Sweden’s political agenda, but it does not amount to a Swedish ban.
The distinction matters. Norway and Finland have moved from a position to a national decision. Sweden has announced an assessment, without setting out a measure, timetable or scope.
It is reasonable for the government to examine its powers before announcing rules that could affect competitions and organisers. Yet Forssmed’s stated urgency means analysis alone cannot be the endpoint. If Sweden intends to follow its neighbours, the government should explain the legal route it would use, which competitions would be covered and when a decision could be expected.
DN’s report does not specify the sports, events or possible exemptions covered by the Norwegian and Finnish decisions. It also does not say what action Sweden may ultimately choose. The immediate development is therefore not a Swedish exclusion, but a minister publicly saying that Sweden is examining the option as two neighbouring countries have already acted.
Sources
- Dagens Nyheter · Source date: 2026-11-12
Independent editorial content. WUA is not affiliated with any political party. 2026-11-12