FIS allows Russian and Belarusian skiers to compete as neutral athletes

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has reinstated its neutral athlete policy for the upcoming winter season, permitting Russian and Belarusian skiers and snowboarders to participate in competitions without any national symbols, according to a statement released on September 2. The decision was made during a two-day FIS Council meeting in Thun, Switzerland.

Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete as neutral athletes, devoid of national flags, anthems, or state symbols. To qualify, athletes and their support teams must sign a strict neutrality declaration, which mandates no affiliation with their nations' military or security agencies. The FIS stressed that compliance will be closely monitored, with severe penalties for any violations.

The FIS Council deliberated on the matter and concluded that athletes and support staff from Russia and Belarus could be granted access to FIS events if they sign the neutrality declaration, as outlined in the statement. This move comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee in July 2026, leading individual sports federations to reassess their restrictions.

A December 2025 Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling overturned a four-year ban on Russian and Belarusian winter sports athletes, enabling them to enter qualifiers and compete as Individual Neutral Athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Other sports federations, including FIBA and FIA, have also lifted their restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to participate in international competitions.