Norway Minister Backs Federations Blocking Russia's Return to Global Sports for 5.6 Million Nation
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 11
Norway Minister Backs Federations Blocking Russia's Return to Global Sports for 5.6 Million Nation
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 11
Summary
Lubna Jaffery said Norway’s government supports the Norwegian Football Federation and Olympic Committee in opposing any return of Russian athletes to international competition.
Jaffery said politicians cannot overrule bodies such as the IOC and FIFA, but Norway’s national position remains aligned with its federations’ stance against Russia’s reintegration.
The comments come as the IOC and FIFA are seen moving toward bringing Russians back after sanctions imposed following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Jaffery framed that stance alongside Norway’s broader sports philosophy in the 5.6 million-strong country: broad access, low costs and delayed specialization rather than early win-at-all-costs competition.