FIS Allows Russian, Belarusian Skiers in Neutral Status
Moscow, Feb 2. The International Federation of Ski and Snowboard (FIS) announced that its Council has decided on the conditions under which Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to participate in FIS competitions during the 2026/27 season.
Consensus
- Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete in FIS events during the 2026/27 season.
- Athletes must compete under neutral status, without national flags, anthems, or symbols on their uniforms.
- Participation is limited to individual competitions only.
- Athletes must sign a declaration of neutrality based on principles set by FIS.
- FIS will monitor compliance with neutrality principles and may impose sanctions for violations.
- Athletes must meet all current anti-doping requirements.
- The decision follows recent recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- The IOC had restored the Russian Olympic Committee's membership in July and recommended lifting all restrictions on Russian athletes.
Points of divergence
- The reintegration process of Russia into world sports has been progressing rapidly since 2024, especially after the IOC's July recommendations. — kommersant
- As of now, the number of federations allowing Russian athletes to compete with flag and anthem in all disciplines, including team events, is approaching two dozen — but these are all summer sport federations. — kommersant
- Winter sports remain a particularly problematic area for Russian athletes. — kommersant
- The FIS Council considered the situation in light of recent IOC decisions. — vesti
- FIBA has previously allowed Russian and Belarusian basketball players, coaches, and referees to participate in tournaments under certain conditions. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- International Ski Federation allowed Russians to compete — Коммерсантъ
- FIS will allow Russian and Belarusian skiers to participate in international tournaments under conditions — Вести