Oslo Mayor calls for ban on Russian athletes at Holmenkollen

Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe has formally requested that the Norwegian government block Russian athletes from participating in the upcoming World Cup Nordic skiing events in Holmenkollen, scheduled for March 13–14.

The request follows a policy shift by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), which eased requirements for Russian and Belarusian competitors to compete under a neutral status. While Norway maintains strict visa and entry policies for Russian citizens, an occupational exemption currently allows professional athletes to enter the country.

Lindboe argued that the Norwegian government should not feel obligated to follow FIS decisions, stating that Russian athletes do not belong on the start line in Holmenkollen while the war in Ukraine continues. She urged authorities to reconsider the occupational exemption to prevent Russian competitors from entering the country for the event.