The decision was made by Fis' board on Tuesday and is in practice an extension of a previous suspension. The decision also applies to the Paralympics in Italy, which will be held after the Olympic Games.
For me, this is not a difficult issue. I think it's a decision we absolutely should make, but others have a different opinion. Now, I think we have really discussed and highlighted all possible aspects, says Fis member Karin Mattsson, who was previously chairman of the Swedish Ski Association and the Swedish Sports Confederation (RF), to TT.
Norwegian ski king Johannes Høsflot Klæbo believes the decision is correct.
"I believe, and have long believed, that the Russians should not be allowed to participate as long as the war in Ukraine is ongoing. If the aggressive war ends, it's a different matter," says Klæbo in a statement to NRK.
"So happy"
Russian and Belarusian skiers – like athletes in other sports that fall under the Fis umbrella – have not been allowed to compete internationally for their nations since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) opened the door earlier this fall for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina in February, but no teams are allowed. The same decision applied during the Summer Olympic Games in Paris last year.
Svenskbritten Johan Eliasch, who is chairman of Fis, wanted to welcome Russians and Belarusians back, but his board says no.
It's great, really. We are so happy from the Swedish side that it turned out this way, says Pernilla Bonde, chairman of the Swedish Ski Association, to TT.
Karin Mattsson estimated before the meeting that it was 50–50 which way it would go.
It was my guess before, since I know there are different opinions, says Mattsson now.
She does not want to reveal any details from the meeting out of respect for the other attendees.
Threatened with boycott
But we have really spent time discussing this. It was not obvious that it would turn out this way, but I'm very happy that the decision was no, says Mattsson.
Formally, Fis says no to allowing athletes from the countries to qualify for the Winter Olympic Games 2026 as neutral athletes.
Speed skating and ski mountaineering have previously said yes to Russian and Belarusian participation in the Olympic Games. Curling, ice hockey, and biathlon have said no.
The issue has sparked strong emotions. Swedish ski star Linn Svahn has, in interviews with Expressen and Norwegian TV2, said that she wants to boycott the Olympic Games if Russians and Belarusians are allowed to participate.
Earlier this year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to participate in the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina in February.
IOC's policy is, however, to let each respective special federation decide the issue.
Like during the Summer Olympic Games in Paris last year, IOC has set up certain requirements for potential participation.
No Russian or Belarusian teams are allowed, and for individual athletes, it applies that they must compete under a neutral flag and with requirements for neutrality.
Athletes must not have actively supported the war in Ukraine or have ties to the Russian military. They must also meet certain requirements regarding doping tests.
