It’s official: there will be no cross-country skiers from Russia or Belarus competing in the World Cup this winter — and therefore none at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games either.

After weeks of speculation that the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) might reconsider its stance, the organization confirmed on Tuesday evening that athletes from Russia and Belarus will remain excluded from all FIS competitions this season. The decision came following a Council meeting that lasted more than five hours.

The Nordic federations welcomed the confirmation, with both Norwegian and Swedish athletes having consistently voiced opposition to any reinstatement of Russian or Belarusian competitors. Swedish star Linn Svahn had previously stated that she would refuse to participate in the Olympics if the ban were lifted.

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In line with other Federations

In a statement, FIS clarified that the Council voted not to facilitate the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) in qualification events for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“The International Olympic Committee’s AIN regime has been set out as a possible pathway for athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in the Olympic Games, with each International Federation remaining responsible for the decision on whether to allow these athletes to take part in its existing qualification system,” the FIS statement read.

By maintaining the suspension, FIS follows the same line as the International Biathlon Union (IBU), which decided already in August not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to competition.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milano-Cortina, Italy, from February 6 to 22, 2026.

Story developing.

Read More: Program for cross-country skiing at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

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