International Ski Federation Denies Neutral Status
Aleksandr Bolsjunov missed out on neutral status during a Tuesday meeting of the International Ski Federation (FIS), according to reporting by NRK. Officials agreed to block the Russian cross-country skiing star from international competition this winter. A source told NRK that everyone at the meeting knew the discussion centered on Bolsjunov even when he was not named specifically.
That decision keeps the Russian star sidelined. The Court of Arbitration for Sport recently allowed Russia back into national team hockey. That hockey ruling now drives concern inside the skiing federation.
Arbitration Court Fears Drive Ski Officials
FIS sources told NRK that the skiing organization expects the Bolsjunov dispute to land at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Officials inside the federation fear CAS will apply the same logic used in the recent hockey decision. A ruling from the court could force FIS to let Bolsjunov compete at the World Championships in Falun this winter.
Bolsjunov has appeared in propaganda events for Russian President Vladimir Putin and held membership in the Russian army until recently. Despite that background, the Russian ski team included him in their preliminary squad for the World Cup opener in Ruka, Finland, scheduled for November.
Russian Ski Officials Push Back Against the Ban
Dmitrij Svishchev told Sport-Express that he sees no arguments against allowing Bolsjunov to participate. Svishchev also told the Tass news agency that media coverage in Northern Europe amounts to hysteria regarding the case.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bolsjunov Case
Why did the International Ski Federation deny neutral status to Aleksandr Bolsjunov?
FIS officials withheld neutral status during a Tuesday meeting, blocking him from international competition this winter while anticipating a legal challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
What event triggered fears among FIS officials?
Ski federation insiders worry that CAS will rule similarly to its recent decision allowing Russia back into national team hockey.
Where is the upcoming World Cup opener scheduled?
The preliminary World Cup event is scheduled to take place in Ruka, Finland, in November, where Bolsjunov remains listed in the Russian squad.
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