Finland Joins Host Nation Boycott Over World Aquatics Decision on Russia
The Finnish Swimming Federation has decided not to host international championships due to the World Aquatics’ (WA) recent decision allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete with full honors. This move joins Norway and Poland in their stance against hosting events under these conditions.
Members of the Nordic Swimming Federation have distanced themselves from WA’s decision, which permits Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate using their respective uniforms, flags, and anthems since April 14. The global governing body also stated that Russia and Belarus would resume full membership rights.
Competitors from Russia and Belarus were banned from international sporting events after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, partly launched from Belarusian territory. Norway and Poland have reiterated their stance against hosting such events as long as WA allows these athletes to participate.
The Finnish Swimming Federation emphasized the ethical responsibilities of international sport, including solidarity with Ukrainian athletes facing challenging conditions. The federation’s President, Ville Riekkinen, stated that Aquatics Finland will not apply for hosting international championships while the war continues and will exclude Russian or Belarusian-affiliated teams from domestic events.
While other Nordic countries have shown less formal opposition to WA’s decision, their overall reaction remains negative towards allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under these circumstances.