FIS approves neutral status for Russian and Belarusian ski and snowboard athletes this season

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation announced that skiers and snowboarders from Russia and Belarus are eligible to compete in the forthcoming season provided they agree to a neutrality pledge. This agreement prohibits any display of national emblems such as flags, anthems or distinctive uniforms during individual events. The decision comes after a Court of Arbitration for Sport judgment in December that ended a multi-year suspension of Russian athletes from international competition.

The FIS council reaffirmed the neutral-athlete policy for the upcoming season, which starts next month. While the athletes can enter World Cup races, officials warned that obtaining visas for certain European host nations may remain problematic. The move enables Russian and Belarusian participants to pursue qualification for the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games under the neutral framework.