Russia has won its appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Now FIS must reverse its ban – a decision that could affect this weekend’s World Cup in Trondheim.

“Russia won its case against FIS in CAS. FIS is now obligated to allow Russian athletes to compete internationally,” wrote Russia’s sports minister, Mikhail Degtyarev, on his Telegram channel.

On Tuesday afternoon, CAS confirmed the decision in a press release.

This means that the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) must allow Russian athletes to compete internationally, provided they compete as “neutral” athletes.

“This is surprising but not shocking. Several recent rulings have supported Russian athletes’ demands to participate as neutral competitors in international events, including the Olympics,” says NRK sports commentator Jan-Petter Saltvedt.

The appeal hearing took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Monday, December 1. The conclusion was in Russia’s favor. The decision could affect the World Cup in Trondheim.

Norwegian Ski Association president Tove Moe Dyrhaug, a vocal opponent of Russian participation, says they have also received the news.

“We have to consider how to handle this, both for events in Norway and elsewhere. We need more information before we can comment further,” she told TV 2.

Russians celebrate

“The CAS decision is a small step for individual athletes, but a giant leap for the global ski community. The principle of competing regardless of nationality or passport has been upheld. The next step is equal rights for all athletes, no matter their political views,” Russian skier Veronika Stepanova told NRK.

How many Russian athletes actually meet the criteria for neutral status remains uncertain.

Russian super-talent may face Klæbo

The appeal was filed by the Russian Ski Federation, the Russian Olympic Committee, the Russian Paralympic Committee, and 17 Russian athletes.

Among the 12 cross-country skiers appealing the ban is Saveliy Korostelev. The Russian talent dominated the Junior World Championships in Lygna in 2022, winning two gold medals and one silver at just 18 years old.

The young Russian, who never fully dared to believe in such a turnaround, is now celebrating.

“This is very good news,” Korostelev wrote in a statement to TV 2.

Korostelev last competed internationally at the 2022 Junior World Championships in Lygna, where he won two golds and one silver. That was the week before President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

A few days later, FIS decided to ban Russia and Belarus from all international competitions. Since then, no Russian athletes have participated in FIS events.

Before the war, several Russians challenged Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and the Norwegian stars, in addition to 2022 Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov, including Sergey Ustiugov, Alexander Terentev, and Sergey Ardashev. Korostelev has beaten them all.

Last winter, Korostelev won the overall Russian Cup. He was in a league of his own, finishing 250 points ahead of Sergey Ardashev, while Olympic champion Bolshunov was third, nearly 300 points behind.

Now he dreams of challenging Klæbo and the Norwegians – and this winter’s Olympics could give him his first chance to test himself against them.

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