FIS Criticised for Allowing Russian & Belarus Delegations to Attend Autumn Meetings

29th September 2022

Last modified on September 30th, 2022

The Norwegian Ski Federation has boycotted all meetings where the two countries are in attendance. It comes as FIS has raised the prospects of the two nations competing next season. Finland has also criticised the attendance of Russia and Belarus.UPDATED

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is holding its annual autumn meetings in Zurich, Switzerland ahead of the approaching winter season.

The Norwegians were absent from all the opening events and it is calling on FIS to ban Russian and Belarius officials for an ‘indefinite period’.

“The Board of the Norwegian Ski Federation strongly condemn Russian participation at the FIS meetings,” said the President of the Norwegian Ski Federation, Tove Moe Dyrhaug .

“In the ongoing debate on the banning of Russian and Belarusian athletes, the Norwegian Ski Federation has, since the outbreak of the war, worked together with other nations to advance our joint positions.

“We will also work together with our partners on this matter, up until the next meeting of the FIS Council.

“The exclusion of athletes – and now hopefully also representatives – must apply as long as the brutal and meaningless war continues.”

See more on InsidetheGames

Norway at 2019 World Championships, Seefeld. Image © PlanetSKI

The Finnish Ski Federation has called for Russian and Belarusian representatives to be banned but has stopped short of boycotting the meetings.

“The Finnish Ski Federation considers it important to be present not only to decide on the course of the upcoming season in several sports sectors, but also to make public its negative position on the participation of Russia and Belarus,” said the executive director of the Finnish Ski Federation, Ismo Hämäläinen.

“Absent from the meeting would mean that we would not be able to take a stand on important issues that Russia and Belarus can influence.

“We absolutely do not want that.”

“In the future, the exclusion of Russia and Belarus should be extended not only to the athletes but also to the Board of trustees and the Representative Council.

“The matter should have been handled through the official route earlier, as well as for the athletes.

“We will clearly bring this up in Zurich and demand an exclusion from the FIS Council.”

The Norwegians were critical of FIS at the beginning of the war as the Federation appeared slow to react to events.

Competitions in Russia were at first allowed to go ahead.

Norway calls for full sporting ban on Russia

It comes as the International Ski & Snowboard Federation has raised the prospect of Russia and Belarus competing in events as early as December 2022.

The Federation’s secretary general, Michel Vion, suggested earlier this month that Russian and Belarusian athletes could return for the upcoming campaign under a neutral banner.

His comments reported by Bild newspaper, claimed the International Olympic Committee “is starting to think about opening the doors to the International Federations” allowing Russian and Belarusian participation.

“It could be quick,” the FIS secretary general added.

“Maybe it’s possible in December, then both nations – of course without a national flag and anthem – could possibly also take part in the World Championships.”

We reported on the issues earlier on PlanetSKI.

FIS suggests Russian athletes may return to competition this season

It has met with reaction from readers on the PlanetSKI Facebook page:

Chris Hale – That’s f***ing disgraceful. FIS should be ashamed of itself.

Paul Hourmont – The FIS always has been and will be a sham.

Dutch van Andel – NO to all who support Vlad the Poisoner.

Martin Bell – Well done Norway! FIS committee members, shame on you for legitimizing war criminals.

While the war continues, Russia must be treated as an outcast state by the civilized world. To do anything else, merely strengthens Putin.

Alar Mozolev – No way

Scott Hammond – This only affects the athletes. I’m sure as like most Russians, they don’t want the war either. I’m sure Alexander Khoroshilov is as against it as us all.

As long as they do not support the regime, to punish an individual for crimes made by others needs to be debated properly.

Karl Persoson – What?? FIS is a shame supporting Russia bombing terrorism to Europe Ukraine. At least you could have banned Russia forever! Its WAR!

Here on PlanetsKI we will be reporting on how the issue develops.

Do check back…