The Council of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has set out the conditions under which athletes from Russia and Belarus will be able to compete in international events in the 2026/27 season.
This is stated in an FIS press release.
The decision was taken during a two-day meeting of the FIS Council in Thun, Switzerland, following recent decisions by the International Olympic Committee regarding the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus.
FIS said that athletes and support personnel from Russia and Belarus may be granted access to competitions provided they sign a neutrality declaration based on principles set by the federation.
"Compliance with these neutrality principles will be monitored on an ongoing basis, and sanctions will be предусмотрены in the event of violations", the statement said.
At the same time, the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes will be limited to certain competitions.
During competitions, athletes will be prohibited from using any national symbols, including flags, anthems and kit featuring national insignia.
Russian and Belarusian athletes must also meet all current anti-doping requirements.
Context
- After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes in most sports, in line with IOC recommendations, could be admitted to competitions only under neutral status.
- In April–June 2026, the International Fencing Federation (FIE), the international federation for aquatic sports (World Aquatics) and the International Gymnastics Federation (World Gymnastics) allowed Russian and Belarusian participants to compete without restrictions, with national anthems and flags.
- In May this year, the IOC announced that its Executive Committee no longer recommends any restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes.
- On 12 May, the International Modern Pentathlon Union lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes on the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee.
- On 17 May, United World Wrestling (UWW) fully lifted sanctions on Russia and Belarus, allowing their athletes to compete under their own flags and anthems.
- On 19 May, the Muay Thai federation allowed Belarusians and Russians to compete under national symbols.
- Recently, FIFA also officially admitted the Russia national team to the new U-15 Youth World Cup, which will take place in Azerbaijan from 22 to 31 October 2026.
- In June, the International Skating Union (ISU) allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in figure skating, speed skating and short track under neutral status. In Ukraine and a number of European countries, these decisions were criticised.