Finland has launched an investigation into Russians harassing female volleyball players at international competitions

Finnish police and Portuguese authorities have launched a joint investigation into reports of harassment by Russian athletes at the European University Games, according to the Finnish government website.

In addition, Finnish Minister of European Affairs, Sports and Culture Sampo Terho sent a letter to Portuguese Education Minister Thiago Brandao Rodrigues, in which he asked to “take seriously” cooperation between the countries on this issue.

“I and the entire Finnish sports world are shocked and regret the harassment of Finnish athletes at competitions organized in Portugal. Finland has zero tolerance for harassment in sports,” says Terho.

At the end of July, Finnish volleyball players accused Russian volleyball players of sexual harassment and attempted rape at the European University Games, which took place in the Portuguese city of Coimbra from July 14 to 28.

A representative of the Finnish delegation, Marku Rantahalvari , told the Finnish broadcaster Yle that the coach of the Russian team approached the Finn and “grabbed her from behind, but she managed to escape.” In addition, Rantahalvari told the website mtv.fi that they tried to rape the volleyball player, but she was able to escape.

Russia was represented in volleyball at the European University Games by the team of the Dagestan State University.