Dmitry Svishchev, head of the Russian Skiing and Snowboard Federation, stated that not all Russian athletes want neutral status for international competitions. Speaking to state news agency RIA Novosti, the sports official confirmed that Russian authorities are currently compiling a roster of skiers who are prepared to apply for neutral clearance ahead of the upcoming season.
Under regulations set by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, applications for neutral status must be submitted by December 15. Svishchev declined to specify which individual competitors had decided against seeking clearance to race internationally.
Svishchev explained that sports authorities will only achieve complete satisfaction when Russian athletes receive full admission without any restrictions. He added that the opportunity to obtain neutral status has now expanded for the vast majority of Russian competitors, noting that virtually all eligible athletes can secure clearance if they choose to do so.
Pathway to full return
The federation chief described the neutral status arrangement as an initial step toward total restoration for Russian winter sports. According to Svishchev, subsequent phases will focus on reintroducing Russian athletes to team events, followed ultimately by restoring their right to compete under the national flag and anthem.
Neutral status allows athletes to compete in global sports events without displaying national flags, symbols, or having their national anthem played during award ceremonies. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation, based in Switzerland, serves as the global governing body for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, alpine skiing, and related winter sports disciplines worldwide.
Updated regulations for army sports clubs
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation recently cleared Russian athletes to re-enter international competitions for the 2026/27 season under neutral status. As part of that policy change, the governing body removed a previous restriction that barred athletes affiliated with military sports organizations, including CSKA Moscow.
CSKA, historically known as the Central Sports Club of the Army, is one of Russia's largest sports societies, sponsoring elite competitors across numerous winter and summer Olympic sports. Many Russian winter sports athletes maintain formal affiliations or employment ties with military-sponsored athletic clubs.
Currently cleared Russian skiers
At present, only three Russian skiers hold official authorization to compete in international events under the current framework. Cross-country skiers Savely Korostelev, Nikita Denisov, and Dariya Nepryaeva are the sole Russian athletes currently eligible to enter international races.
Cross-country skiing forms a core component of the Winter Olympic Games and the FIS World Cup circuit, where Russian athletes have historically been major contenders across distance and sprint events. The Russian Skiing and Snowboard Federation oversees domestic competitions and national team preparation across skiing and snowboarding disciplines.
Russian winter sports officials will continue assembling application documentation until the December 15 deadline set by the governing body. Further updates regarding the final list of applicants for the 2026/27 international season are expected as the submission cutoff approaches.
