The Russian national team coach lashes out at the Norwegian superstar – and accuses the entire Scandinavian skiing community of blackmail.

In an exclusive interview with SVT, Russian national team coach Egor Sorin goes after the World Cup stars.

The Swedish channel met Sorin and the Russian national team during their ongoing altitude camp in Livigno, northern Italy, just days after the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) decided to maintain Russia’s suspension.

Also Read: FIS says no to Russia

The Russian coach says the decision caused deep disappointment.

“People cried after that decision. It was a tragedy for them,” he says.

At the same time, he attacks Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who has been clear that he doesn’t want the Russians back as long as the war in Ukraine continues in full force. Sorin calls Klæbo’s reaction to FIS’s decision to uphold the suspension “bizarre.”

“People were crying while he was happy,” says Sorin.

“Russophobia”

Sorin goes on the offensive, accusing the international skiing community of “Russophobia,” especially the Nordic nations that have been firm in their demand for a continued ban.

Norwegian and Swedish leaders and athletes have been crystal clear: a flat-out no. Although several have said they would welcome the Russians back purely from a sporting perspective, they insist that the war must end before that can happen.

Some athletes have gone even further: Swedish skier Linn Svahn said earlier this fall that she would withdraw from the Olympics if Russians are allowed to compete. Around the same time, Klæbo said he wasn’t sure what he would do if they were reinstated.

“There’s a smell of ‘Russophobia’ here,” rages the Russian head coach.

Also Read – Ready to boycott Olympics: “Then I don’t want to compete”

Blackmail

Sorin makes harsh accusations, convinced that the FIS vote on October 21 was the result of foul play.

“There was some kind of blackmail going on. In my opinion, it was completely unfair and wrong. They tried to pressure the 22 FIS members to make the decision they eventually made,” says Sorin.

Do you believe statements like those from Linn Svahn (ed. note) influenced the decision?

“Without a doubt. When the strongest athletes in our so-called international ski family speak out like that.”

You say Scandinavian athletes are responsible for the Russians not being allowed to compete in the Olympics. But isn’t it Russia’s own actions that have caused the ban?

“I don’t think so. In this case, it’s about FIS deciding whether athletes with neutral status can participate, according to the IOC’s recommendations.”

Demanding the decision be overturned

On Thursday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced it had received an appeal from Russia regarding the FIS decision. Twelve skiers, the Russian Ski Federation, the Russian Olympic Committee, and the Russian Paralympic Committee are demanding that CAS order FIS to overturn the ruling.

Read More – Confirms: Russia appeals FIS suspension

In the appeal to CAS, the Russians make two clear demands:

“The Appellants request CAS to order FIS:

1. To allow the participation of the above-mentioned athletes, of all other athletes, support personnel and officials from Russia as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) in all FIS events, including the qualification events for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games as well as in the Games themselves, in compliance with the IOC eligibility criteria for AIN)
2. to allow the participation of the above-mentioned para-athletes, of all other Russian para-athletes, support personnel and officials, to participate in all FIS events, including the qualification events for the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, as well as in the Games themselves, under the same conditions as any other para-athletes.”

In accordance with CAS proceedings, the Parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a Panel of arbitrators is being composed. With the Parties’ agreement, a hearing will be scheduled. 

Also Read: Russian talent challenges FIS ban – aims for 2026 Olympics

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place in Milano-Cortina from February 6 to 22.

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