FIS Sets Neutral Status Rules for Russian, Belarusian Athletes
Skiers and snowboarders from Russia and Belarus can compete this season under strict neutrality conditions, the sport's governing body says.
Athletes, coaches and officials from Russia and Belarus can continue competing in International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) events this season under an approved neutral status, but they will not be allowed to display any symbols of national identity, FIS announced Wednesday.
The governing body, based in Oberhofen, Switzerland, said competitors from the two countries "may be granted access to FIS competitions provided that they sign a declaration of neutrality based on a set of principles established by FIS." FIS warned that sanctions can be imposed on those who violate the terms.
The FIS ruling council renewed its neutral athlete policy ahead of the winter season, which starts next month.
"The participation of athletes is restricted to individual events and is conditioned to the fact that no country symbols — such as flags, anthems, or uniforms — should be displayed," FIS said.
Russian skiers had been banned from international competition for nearly four years because of the war in Ukraine before winning a ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in December that ended the ban. That decision allowed them to return to World Cup events in Alpine, cross-country and freestyle skiing, as well as snowboarding, as they attempted to qualify for the Milan Cortina Olympics held in February.
Despite the renewed neutral status, Russian athletes and team officials are still likely to face challenges obtaining visas to enter some European countries that host World Cup races.
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.
