Decision made: Will Russians start at the Wisła Ski Jumping World Cup?

Originally published in Przegląd Sportowy Onet on December 02, 2025

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld appeals from Russian and Belarusian athletes and instructed the International Ski Federation (FIS) to allow competitors from both countries to take part in international events, provided they meet the IOC’s neutrality requirements. This ruling lifts the FIS ban that had been in force since October 21, 2025.

CAS stated that Russian and Belarusian athletes who comply with IOC neutrality criteria are eligible to participate in FIS‑sanctioned competitions. The tribunal emphasized that the FIS statutes protect individuals from discrimination and require political neutrality; therefore, a blanket nationality‑based exclusion was partially annulled.

FIS originally barred Russian participation shortly after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which had prevented Russian athletes from competing in the World Cup, World Championships, and the Olympic Games, even under a neutral flag.

What about Wisła?

Given the neutrality conditions—no ties to Russian military structures and no public support for the war—the only Russian ski jumper expected to be eligible is Daniil Sadreev. However, Wisła World Cup organizers told the outlet that Sadreev will not compete in Poland because he did not enter by the FIS deadline. “Daniil Sadreev did not apply for the Wisła competitions. We closed the entry list last Wednesday, one week before the event,” said Jan Winkiel of the Wisła OC.

Unusual pause in Wisła

During Sunday’s competition in Wisła, there was an extraordinary 40‑minute break between series. According to organizing committee chair Andrzej Wąsowicz, this was beyond the local organizers’ control and contrary to the regulations, but was reportedly approved by FIS following negotiations.

Wisła event schedule: - Friday, 5 December: official training (17:45), qualification (20:15) - Saturday, 6 December: trial round (13:45), individual competition (14:45) - Sunday, 7 December: qualification (12:55), individual competition (14:25)