Several members of the International Skating Union are exploring the possibility of allowing Belarusian athletes to compete in international events. In contrast, there appears to be less support from Russian representatives within the same organization. This stance was reported by RIA News as part of a broader discussion among ISU member nations about eligibility and safety considerations for athletes from those regions.
The agency’s source indicates that some officials and bodies within international organizations see official grounds to permit participation by Belarusian competitors. The argument rests on several factors, including assessments that there is currently no Belarusian military presence in Ukrainian territory, which some members believe should be weighed in the decision process. The discussion mirrors recent moves by other sports bodies and their handling of Belarusian teams, as illustrated by UEFA’s decision to allow Belarusian clubs and the national football team to play matches at neutral sites.
A key ISU meeting is scheduled to take place in Lausanne, Switzerland, from October 6 to 8. At that gathering, committee members are expected to evaluate whether a return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to major international competitions is appropriate, pending guidance from the International Olympic Committee on safety, sanctions, and eligibility rules. The council’s deliberations will shape policy across the sport’s three disciplines: speed skating, short track speed skating, and figure skating, all governed under ISU oversight.
In related commentary, Tarasova has commented on the possibility of admitting Russian figure skaters, underscoring that these debates are part of a larger reassessment of participation rules and sanctions across winter sports. The evolving position reflects ongoing tensions between competitive opportunities for athletes and geopolitical considerations that influence international sport governance. Observers note that decisions in Lausanne could set precedents that impact scheduling, quotas, and the eligibility of athletes from affected nations in upcoming ISU events.
Given the evolving landscape, national federations, athletes, and fans alike are watching closely. The ISU’s stance on Belarusian and Russian participation may hinge on developments at the IOC and the broader international sports community, as well as ongoing assessments of safety, compliance with international law, and the integrity of competition. The discussions emphasize a careful balance between preserving competitive opportunities and maintaining a fair, stable environment for athletes from diverse nations.