FIS announces participation conditions for Russians and Belarusians ahead of the 2026/27 season. How many will accept them?

The conditions have been set; now it remains to be seen which and how many Russian and Belarusian athletes will accept them.

This morning, FIS announced the regulatory principles governing the participation of representatives of countries that have been excluded from international competitions since the invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing war.

After athletes already returned as neutrals during the past season, it is clear that the 2026/27 season could significantly alter the balance of power, particularly in the world cross-country skiing scene; meeting in Thun (Switzerland) for a two-day session, the International Federation's Council defined the conditions under which athletes with Belarusian and Russian sporting nationality will be allowed to compete in FIS events next winter. “

Following the recent decisions by the International Olympic Committee on the matter (with the IOC opening the door in terms of qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, ed.), the Council examined the situation and decided that athletes and support personnel from the two countries may be granted access to FIS competitions provided that they sign a neutrality declaration based on a series of principles established by FIS.

Compliance with these neutrality principles will be continuously monitored and, in the event of violations, sanctions will be imposed”.

Furthermore, the statement from the “governing body” of winter sports (naturally, not all of them, bearing in mind that, for example, the IBU has always kept the door closed in biathlon) states that “athletes' participation is limited to individual events and is subject to the condition that national symbols, such as flags, anthems or uniforms, are not displayed. Athletes must also comply with all applicable anti-doping regulations”.