Anything but a surprise. The executive committee of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), meeting this week, decided to extend the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions. They have been excluded since March 2022 due to the military offensive in Ukraine. “ The current position of the FIS, which prohibits the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in FIS events, will remain in force until further notice.", explains the instance in a press release. Skiers, cross-country skiers and snowboarders from both countries will therefore experience a new season far from the World Cup circuits. A decision which especially affects cross-country skiing, where Russia was until its suspension the only nation capable of breaking the domination of Sweden and Norway. The FIS decision comes a few days before the opening of the Alpine Ski World Cup, scheduled for the weekend in Sölden, Austria.
