Swedish FIS chief Eliasch on Russia: “Not an easy decision”

FIS president Johan Eliasch, the Swedish‑British sports executive, has spoken publicly for the first time since the International Ski and Snowboard Federation decided earlier this week to bar Russian and Belarusian skiers from the coming Winter Olympics.

Eliasch, who has been criticized for previously signaling openness to a return of Russian and Belarusian athletes, acknowledged the difficulty of the ruling. “We must never use athletes as political tools,” he said during a press conference held ahead of the Alpine World Cup season opener in Sölden, Austria. He added that the decision was “not an easy one.”

The statement comes amid mounting reaction in and around Nordic skiing. Following the announcement, Russian cross‑country leadership accused what it called a “Scandinavian lobby” of driving the outcome. The broader debate continues as teams prepare for the season and major events on the road to the World Championships in Falun and the Winter Games.