FIS allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to winter sports

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has decided to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to return to official competitions, including the World Cup, starting from the 2026/27 season. This decision follows legal challenges brought by the two nations before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The return is subject to strict conditions: athletes and support staff must sign an individual declaration of neutrality. Participation is restricted to individual competitions only; team events remain prohibited for Russian and Belarusian participants. Furthermore, the use of national symbols, such as flags, anthems, or national uniforms, is strictly forbidden. Athletes will compete under the FIS flag.

This move has drawn criticism from the figure skating community, where coaches and athletes have expressed concerns regarding the timing and the precedent of allowing athletes from nations engaged in military aggression to participate in international sporting movements.