The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has amended its policy on the eligibility of individually neutral athletes, significantly relaxing the requirements for athletes from Russia and Belarus. The key change concerns the criterion of ties with military and security structures: eligibility is now blocked exclusively in the case of a voluntary contract with the armed forces or national security agencies. This is reported by Sport RBC.UA, citing the official FIS website.

What exactly changed in the eligibility criteria

Previously, the FIS policy extended the ban to any form of connection between an athlete and the military or security structures of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus. A formal affiliation was enough — whether membership in a departmental sports organization, conscript service, or even administrative subordination — for a neutral status application to be rejected. In the updated version, this criterion has been narrowed: only athletes who are on voluntary contractual service in the armed forces or national security agencies are denied eligibility. As a result, athletes who are not on contractual military service but were previously rejected on formal grounds now have the opportunity to resubmit their application.

What remains unchanged

Despite the relaxation of one of the criteria, the entire remaining set of restrictions for neutral athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus remains in force. The use of the anthem, flag, uniform, and other national symbols of the respective countries is fully prohibited. The ban on public communications in support of these states, as well as on direct or indirect support for the war in Ukraine — including the use of the "Z" symbol, corresponding statements on social media, and public declarations — is maintained. Neutral athletes are allowed to participate in award ceremonies and may receive medals, however, their results are not counted in the team medal standings.

Status of official national teams and tournament geography

It is important to emphasize that the changes concern only individually neutral athletes. The official national teams of Russia and Belarus remain suspended from participation in competitions under the auspices of FIS. In addition, the hosting of tournaments on the territory of the aggressor states is still not permitted. This means that even with the admission of individual athletes in neutral status, a full return of Russian and Belarusian sports to the international arena in the previous format has not occurred.

Financial terms for resubmitting applications

FIS has introduced a paid mechanism for re-reviewing previously rejected applications. The cost of the review is 2,000 Swiss francs, and this amount is borne directly by the athlete or their staff. In essence, this condition creates an additional financial barrier that may affect the number of repeat applications, especially from athletes whose initial applications were rejected on formal grounds that are now being reconsidered.

Context: the 2026/27 season and specific names

The confirmed admission of Russians in neutral status for the 2026/27 season is already being discussed in sports media. Previously, attention was drawn to the names of skiers whose applications were considered under the updated rules. The relaxation of the contract criterion opens the way for a wider circle of athletes who previously could not claim neutral status due to a formal connection with departmental structures. Nevertheless, each case is considered individually, and the final decision rests with the FIS commission.