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

Oberhofen, Switzerland - The International Ski and Snowboard Federation announced on Wednesday that athletes from Russia and Belarus will be granted neutral status for the upcoming winter season. This means they can continue to compete, but they are not allowed to display any symbols of national identity such as flags, anthems, or uniforms.

Athletes, coaches, and officials from these countries can be admitted to FIS competitions if they sign a declaration of neutrality based on FIS-established principles. However, the governing body has warned that sanctions could be imposed if the conditions are violated. In December, Russian skiers secured a ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport that ended a near four-year ban from international events during the Ukraine war, allowing them to return to World Cup events in Alpine, cross-country, and freestyle skiing, as well as snowboarding in an effort to qualify for the Milan Cortina Olympics in February.

The FIS council has renewed its neutral athlete policy for the winter season starting next month, stating that athletes' participation is limited to individual events and depends on the absence of country symbols. Russian athletes and team officials may still face difficulties obtaining visas to enter certain European countries hosting World Cup races.