Many reacted strongly when the secretary general of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Michelle Vion recently opened the possibility that Russian and Belarusian athletes could make a comeback in the World Cup this winter. Last season, all Russian athletes were banned from all international competitions, due to the war in Ukraine. – I have to say that I miss FIS standing up a little more clearly for itself, instead of creating both uncertainty towards us and the Russian athletes. They seem a bit wobbly. Instead of them standing up for what they believe, says Krüger to news. UNSURE: Krüger (in the middle) thinks it would be special to compete with Russian athletes the way the world is now. Photo: ODD ANDERSEN / AFP The Norwegian is surprised that the association has not taken a clearer position. The Norwegian Ski Association has, for its part, taken a stand. On Thursday, it became clear that no Norwegian representatives from the ski association will participate in meetings where Russian or Belarusian representatives are present. This was revealed in a press release from the ski association. Creates uncertainty Krüger says he is unable to see what is different about the situation in Ukraine now, which means that it might be good to let the athletes in for the winter. – I have to admit that I was surprised when I saw that FIS was suddenly so positive. There has been no change in the conflict. It has probably been more of a sharpening than a softening there, says Krüger. Recently, the International Biathlon Union decided to maintain the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes. That was the kind of clarity Krüger wanted from his own association. – Yes, I have the impression that there are other sports that have taken a clearer stance. Then I also believe that FIS should be able to do that, he says. – A situation where, for example, they are allowed to go cross-country skiing, but not biathlon, would have been extremely special. Has notified decision The Secretary-General’s statement about a possible return to Russia provoked several reactions. Among other things, Coop – one of the main sponsors of FIS – stated that they would withdraw if the federation allows Russian participation. FIS has announced that they will make a final decision in the matter towards the end of October. – The FIS is working with its involved parties to determine the next steps regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in FIS competitions in the coming season. This will be on the agenda that the FIS board will discuss at its next meeting at the end of October, FIS writes in an e-mail to news. – If there are any decisions made in the matter by other sports governing bodies, such as the IOC (International Olympic Committee), the FIS board will take this into account during its discussions. REACTIONS REQUIRED: FIS board member Erik Røste believes nothing has changed since March. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB FIS board member and former Norwegian skiing president Erik Røste also believes that there is nothing to indicate any change in the ban. – Russians and Belarusians are banned from international skiing. They have been since the beginning of March. In my opinion, unfortunately, nothing has changed to indicate that the ban should be lifted. Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine requires strong reactions, says Røste to news.
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