Pakistan, April 26 -- Finland has announced it will not host international swimming championships while World Aquatics allows athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete again. The decision places Finland alongside Norway and Poland, which have also refused to organise global aquatics events in protest against the governing body's recent ruling. Officials say the move reflects growing concern among European nations about the political and ethical implications of welcoming Russian and Belarusian athletes during the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Earlier this month World Aquatics announced that competitors from Russia and Belarus could return to international competitions with their national uniforms, flags and anthems restored. The decision also...