#Winter Sports

The Estonian Ministry of Culture, in a letter to FIS, banned Russian and Belarusian skiers from participating in the World Championships in Otepää and Tehvandi, citing the government's position on the war in Ukraine.

FIS has eased the rules for neutral athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus: the eligibility ban is now tied only to a voluntary contract with security structures. Official national teams remain suspended.

The FIS Council, at its meeting in Thun, abolished the special checks for athletes from Russia and Belarus. From the 2026/27 season, they will be able to compete in neutral status across all disciplines after signing a declaration of neutrality.

🚫 IBU extended sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Athletes will miss the 5th season in a row. Neutral status in biathlon is impossible. Federations are challenging the decision in CAS. 🏂❄️