World News
FIS outlines neutral status terms for Russian and Belarusian athletes for upcoming season
Competitors and officials may participate in individual winter events without national symbols after signing a neutrality declaration.
The short version
- The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) announced that athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus can compete under neutral status for the upcoming winter season.
- Participants must sign a formal declaration of neutrality, are limited to individual competitions, and are barred from displaying national symbols such as flags, anthems, or uniforms.
- Despite the governing body's approval, athletes and team personnel may still encounter difficulties securing visas from European host nations.
Key facts
- The FIS ruling council renewed its policy permitting Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials to access competitions under neutral status for the season starting next month.[Associated Press]
- Access requires participants to sign a neutrality declaration aligning with FIS principles, and any violations risk sanctions.[Associated Press]
- Participation is restricted entirely to individual events, prohibiting national symbols including flags, anthems, and national uniforms.[Associated Press]
- A Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling previously ended a nearly four-year ban on Russian competitors stemming from the war in Ukraine.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether European countries hosting World Cup events will grant the necessary entry visas to Russian athletes and officials.[Associated Press]