Estonia Will Not Allow Belarusian Athletes To Compete In Events On Its Territory

Reform.news Editorial Team · 13 November 2026, 21:18

https://reform.news/en/estonia-will-not-allow-belarusian-athletes-to-compete-in-events-on-its-territory/

Estonia has informed the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) that it will not allow Belarusian and Russian athletes to compete in events on its territory for as long as the war in Ukraine continues, ERR reports.

Estonia’s Ministry of Culture sent a letter outlining this position after FIS eased its rules on admitting athletes from Belarus and Russia in September. Restrictions were also lifted for athletes affiliated with sports clubs linked to the military and security services, including Moscow-based CSKA and Dynamo.

In January 2026, Estonia will host the World Junior and U23 Ski Championships, followed by the World Biathlon Championships in February.

The letter states that since the start of the war, the Estonian government, the ministry and the Estonian Olympic Committee have opposed the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams in international competitions until the war ends.

Estonia believes that holding competitions involving athletes from Belarus and Russia would contradict its support for Ukraine and allow Moscow and Minsk to use international media coverage of sporting events for propaganda purposes.

FIS allows athletes from Belarus and Russia to compete under neutral status only in individual disciplines. They must sign a neutrality declaration, refrain from using national flags and symbols, have no ties to military or security structures, and comply with anti-doping rules.