The Norwegian Swimming Federation has announced it will not host international championships as long as World Aquatics (WA) allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete. This decision, confirmed by President Cato Bratbakk, highlights a significant rift within the global swimming community.

The move follows WA's recent decision to lift neutrality restrictions, permitting Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in events with their national uniforms, flags, and anthems since April 14. WA also reinstated full membership rights for both nations.

Cato Bratbakk stated, "Our position is clear. We will not host any championships as long as Russian and Belarusian senior and junior competitors have full access, entry rights, and are permitted to use their flags and national anthems."

This stance emerges after competitors from Russia and Belarus faced bans from international sporting events following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which involved Belarusian territory.

Norway aims to foster a broader regional boycott of hosting duties, with Bratbakk mentioning, "We are scheduled to meet with Nordic colleagues next week, where we hope our position will create momentum against the decision made by World Aquatics."

Poland had previously taken a similar stance just days before Norway's announcement.

The backlash against WA's decision is evident, as ten para-athletes—six Russians and four Belarusians—competed under their flags at last month’s Winter Paralympics. This ruling faced criticism, prompting several countries, including the UK, to boycott the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. A UK government spokesperson expressed strong opposition to allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their flags in the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.