// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Estonia bans Russian athletes as backlash intensifies
Estonia has become the latest country to say it will not allow Russian or Belarusian athletes to compete on its territory as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
It comes after Norway, Finland and Canada made similar announcements.
The moves come amid a mounting backlash over the reinstatement of athletes from Russia and Belarus.
In September, the International Ski Federation (FIS) relaxed its rules, saying competitors from the two countries would be granted access to its events "provided that they sign a declaration of neutrality".
They had previously faced more stringent background checks on any voluntary link or paid duty with the military.
Participation remains limited to individual events, with athletes banned from displaying national symbols such as flags, anthems or uniforms.
However, it has now emerged that Estonia's government has written to the FIS, claiming that allowing entry to competitors from Russia and Belarus would undermine the country's support of Ukraine, and present an opportunity for propaganda. It said a ban issued in 2022 will be maintained.
In a statement issued to BBC Sport, the FIS said it "is committed to offering full support to athletes, national ski associations and local organisers - with most of which we have a long-standing relationship - in the process of navigating what we know to be a very complex situation.
"With that said, the Individual Neutral Athlete policy is clear in stating that notwithstanding eligibility, the host country visa and entry policies remain in place and are determined solely by the host country. FIS bears no responsibility for denial of visas or entry to any person granted eligibility under the FIS Individual Neutral Athlete Policy."
On Thursday, Scandinavian neighbours Norway and Finland both said they would also block visas for Russian athletes because of the war in Ukraine.