The debate around Russia and Belarus competing in major international skiing events is edging into sharper focus as the Council of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) weighs potential changes for the coming season. With the calendar moving toward late spring, officials are examining whether the current bans and sanctions might shift in the near term. The decision, if any, will shape the participation landscape for athletes and teams across the globe, including many in North America who follow the World Cup circuit closely.
According to the FIS, the council will revisit the topic in its next gathering, slated for the end of May. The organization’s press service indicated that the existing policy would remain in place until the meeting yields any new guidance. This pause in action means teams and athletes will continue to compete under the sanctions until a formal update is issued. The situation remains a focal point for national federations, athletes, coaches, and fans who watch the sport for its high performance and international camaraderie.
Historically, the International Ski Federation made the decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions through the end of the preceding season, extending those sanctions for another year. That stance prevented many athletes from taking part in the closing stages of the 2021/22 World Cup, creating a gap in the field and altering medal prospects for teams around the world. The impact went beyond results on snow; it touched sponsorships, recruitment, and national team planning, echoing a broader conversation about sports, geopolitics, and international sport governance.
On the global stage, notable contenders have emerged in the current season’s standings. In the men’s overall World Cup race, Norwegian racer Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has positioned himself at the front of the standings. The previous season saw Klæbo finish first, ahead of alt-season rival Alexander Bolshunov, underscoring the intense competition that characterizes cross-border skiing at the highest level. In the women’s division, Norwegian athlete Tiril Eckhoff has been a standout figure, contributing to a season marked by dramatic races and tight battles for the podium.
Beyond competition results, voices from sport leadership and athlete representation have weighed in on the issue. In recent public discourse, a senior official from the Russian side suggested that skiers could be asked to formalize their position regarding the conflict before they could return to international competition. The discussion reflects broader debates around eligibility, political statements by athletes, and the mechanisms by which international sport bodies enforce sanctions or offer waivers. Observers note that any potential change will need careful navigation of both policy and diplomacy, ensuring fairness on the track while upholding the federation’s governance standards. [Source: FIS press service, May 2025]