Overview
- The Dec. 2 decision annuls FIS’s blanket exclusion and requires eligibility to be assessed individually under IOC criteria.
- CAS found the FIS policy discriminatory under its statutes, which protect against nationality-based exclusion and mandate political neutrality.
- Only athletes who are not under military contract and have not actively supported Russia’s 2022 invasion can seek neutral status for qualification events.
- CAS also confirmed that Russian para-athletes may compete at the Paralympics with flag and anthem in line with the IPC’s earlier reinstatement vote.
- Formal publication of the award and FIS implementation steps are pending, with case-by-case vetting needed as the qualification season is already underway.