Finland joins hosting boycott over World Aquatics decision on Russia

(Reuters) - Finland will not host international championships while World Aquatics allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete, joining Norway and Poland as tensions grow between several Nordic countries and swimming's global governing body.

Members of the Nordic Swimming Federation contacted by Reuters distanced themselves from World Aquatics' decision earlier this month to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to competition with full honours.

Further discussions between Nordic Swimming Federation members have been scheduled for Monday. The group includes representatives from Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.

Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in WA events with their ⁠respective uniforms, flags and anthems since April 14. The global governing body added that Russia and Belarus would resume full membership rights.

Competitors from Russia and Belarus were banned from international sporting events following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which was launched in part from Belarusian territory.

Norway and Poland have said they will not host international championships as long as World Aquatics allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete.

FINLAND WILL NOT HOST

The Finnish Swimming Federation (Aquatics Finland) emphasised that international sport carries significant ethical responsibilities, including showing solidarity with Ukrainian athletes who continue to compete under challenging conditions.

"Aquatics Finland has decided that it will not apply to host international aquatics championships for as long as the war continues," President Ville Riekkinen said in a statement to Reuters, adding it would not invite athletes or teams ⁠affiliated with Russia or Belarus, nor clubs affiliated with these countries, to domestic events.

While other Nordic countries have hesitated to adopt formal boycotts, their reaction to WA's decision is negative.