FIS has decided to implement gender verification policies across its sports, but not immediately, contrary to earlier reports.

The FIS Council has agreed on how an “eligibility policy” — which will determine who can compete in the women’s and men’s categories — will be developed.

According to FIS, mandatory gender testing is an important step to protect women’s sport.

“This policy is the cornerstone of our commitment to protect women’s sport, and we are convinced that there is only one fair and transparent way to do that: by relying on science and biological facts,” said FIS President Johan Eliasch in a press release issued after the Federation’s autumn meetings in Zurich in September.

Also Read: FIS announces science-based eligibility criteria in competitions

Athletes to be consulted

The plan is for FIS to first collect input from athletes and national ski and snowboard federations before adopting a final policy in April 2026.

The planned test will determine whether an athlete has the so-called SRY gene. Individuals who are SRY-negative will be eligible to compete in the women’s category, while SRY-positive individuals will compete in the men’s category — regardless of their gender identity.

The rule will first be trialed at the 2027 World Ski Championships in Falun and then implemented in the World Cup during the 2027/2028 season, FIS announced on Thursday.

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