Skiers and snowboarders from Russia, Belarus get neutral status terms from FIS for new season

Oberhofen, Switzerland (AP) — The International Ski and Snowboard Federation announced on Wednesday that athletes from Russia and Belarus can compete in the upcoming season under neutral status. However, they will not be allowed to display any symbols of national identity during competitions. The governing body issued this statement after warning of potential sanctions for violations.

Russian skiers gained approval in December from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, ending a near four-year ban from international events due to the war in Ukraine. This allowed them to return to World Cup events in Alpine, cross-country, and freestyle skiing, as well as snowboarding, in an attempt to qualify for the Milan Cortina Olympics in February.

The FIS reissued its neutral athlete policy for the winter season, which begins next month. According to the FIS, participation is limited to individual events and athletes must sign a neutrality declaration based on specific principles established by the federation. Russian athletes and team officials may still encounter challenges obtaining visas to enter some European countries hosting World Cup races.