Nordic countries refuse to host World Aquatics events after readmission of Russian athletes

Nordic countries will no longer host competitions under the auspices of the International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics) because of the organisation's decision to lift all sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

Source: Delfi, an online news portal in the Baltic states

Details: Following World Aquatics' decision to lift the sanctions on 13 April, Erkki Susi, President of the Estonian Swimming Federation (EUL), said the Nordic countries would not boycott competitions involving Russian and Belarusian athletes, but they will no longer host them on their territory.

Quote from Susi: "The EUL, which currently holds the presidency of the Nordic Swimming Association, has repeatedly discussed this issue with the other Nordic federations. Our joint position is clear: this decision is not supported, and disagreement on this issue has also been expressed at the level of the European federation.

The Nordic federations confirm that, as potential host countries for competitions, they do not intend to host international swimming competitions in the coming years until there is a change in the current situation and the decisions taken."

More details: The Nordic Swimming Federation comprises Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.

Background: Ukraine's Ministry of Youth and Sports has condemned World Aquatics' decision to permit athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags.

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