OBERHOFEN, Switzerland (AP) — Winter sports hub Norway can no longer host World Cup skiing events this season because of stricter pandemic-related rules imposed Thursday by the national government.
The International Ski Federation cited “stricter travel and event-related restrictions” for canceling all its events in the Nordic country. They include a men’s downhill in Alpine skiing at Kvitfjell and the World Cup finals in cross-country skiing at Lillehammer.
The International Biathlon Union said its World Cup finals also cannot take place at Holmenkollen near Oslo from March 18-21.
Both governing bodies said they will look for alternative venues outside Norway for the scheduled events.
Soccer was also affected in Norway even before the latest tightening of COVID-19 protocols.
Molde’s home game in the Europa League next week against German team Hoffenheim was moved to Spain.
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