Shock move: FIS pushes to reinstate Russian and Belarusian ski jumpers; federations push back

Tension is rising within the ski community. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is pushing a proposal to reinstate Russian and Belarusian athletes in World Cup events and at the Olympics under a neutral flag, and has circulated a letter to national federations to gather views.

According to the letter—shared publicly by former biathlete Tomasz Sikora—FIS leadership argues that political neutrality is a core principle and that athletes should not be used as political tools. The letter is signed by FIS President Johan Eliasch, Secretary General Michel Vion, and Executive Director Urs Lehmann. It includes a confidential survey asking member federations to state their position on potential Russian participation in the World Cup and the Olympic Games. FIS indicates the results will be used internally, with decisions expected around October 21.

Early reactions have been firm. Sports.ru reports that the Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian federations are strongly opposed. Sirpa Korkatti, head of the Finnish Ski Association, said she disagrees with the arguments in the FIS letter and believes Russia is trying to influence the situation. She added that Finland would not admit Russian athletes into the country even if FIS grants them permission to compete. This stance carries immediate implications given that the World Cup ski jumping opener in Ruka is scheduled for late November.

Russian and Belarusian athletes have been excluded from international competition since 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The latest FIS consultation has reopened a contentious debate, but initial signals from Nordic federations suggest sustained resistance to any reinstatement at this time.