The FIS has relaxed the eligibility criteria for russian skiers

This has been reported by the organisation’s press office.

As expected, the criteria for athletes to obtain ‘neutral’ status have been relaxed. Whereas previously any links with the security forces of russia and Belarus or affiliated organisations – whether current or past – were grounds for refusing ‘neutral’ status, now only those who have voluntarily entered into an agreement with a particular security force and continue to represent it will be refused.

Consequently, compulsory military service in the russian federation will no longer be considered grounds for refusing ‘neutral’ status, as it is not regarded as voluntary cooperation with security forces.

As the only grounds for refusing ‘neutral’ status are now active collaboration with the security forces, skiers who cease such collaboration before applying for ‘neutral’ status will be eligible to compete in international events.

Furthermore, the provision stating that cooperation with organisations affiliated with the security services – such as the CSKA and Dynamo sports clubs – constitutes grounds for refusing ‘neutral’ status has now been removed. In other words, only current staff members of the security services will be denied entry to international competitions.

At the same time, the updated criteria retain the provision denying ‘neutral’ status to athletes who openly and publicly demonstrate support for russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. This provision is likely to prevent individuals such as Oleksandr Bolshunov or Veronika Stepanova from being admitted to international competitions. However, this criterion is worded rather vaguely and requires further clarification from FIS representatives, which has not yet been provided.

Applications for ‘neutral’ status will be accepted until 15 December. However, after this date, the FIS reserves the right to revoke ‘neutral’ status from athletes who have already been granted it.

Source: FIS, Champion