Russian skiers are contesting their ongoing exclusion from competitions as they seek to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics, as confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Thursday. A group comprising six skiers, six Para athletes, and the Russian ski federation has lodged an appeal against the recent decision by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation to prolong their complete ban in light of the conflict in Ukraine. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has not specified a timeline for a hearing, but it will be expedited, coming just three months prior to the commencement of the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February.
Last week, a separate panel of judges at the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favor of Russian lugers, instructing the International Luge Federation to commence an evaluation process for athletes seeking approved neutral status. This ruling potentially sets the stage for another legal victory for Russia. The concept of neutral status is permissible in most Olympic sports under the guidelines of the International Olympic Committee. It is granted to athletes who have not publicly endorsed the military actions in Ukraine and lack affiliations with military or state security entities. Notably, some Russian and Belarusian athletes participated in the Paris Summer Games last year without displaying their national flag, anthem, or team colors.