The International Ski and Snowboard Federation announced on Wednesday that athletes from Russia and Belarus can compete in the upcoming season under a neutral status, as long as they do not display any national symbols. The federation stated that athletes, coaches, and officials from these countries must sign a declaration of neutrality based on FIS principles to be allowed to participate in FIS competitions, with the possibility of sanctions for non-compliance.
After a court ruling in December by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Russian skiers were cleared to compete in World Cup events in Alpine, cross-country, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding as they aim to qualify for the Milan Cortina Olympics in February. The FIS ruling council has extended the neutral athlete policy for the upcoming winter season, emphasizing that athletes can only participate in individual events and must refrain from displaying any national symbols like flags, anthems, or uniforms.
Despite the permission to compete, Russian athletes and team officials may encounter challenges in obtaining visas to enter certain European countries that are hosting World Cup races.
