To be approved as a neutral athlete and return to international competition, cross-country skiing talent Saveliy Korostelev had to pay a fee – the amount has since been revealed.

Neutral-status cross-country skiers can now take part in the World Cup if they are approved as neutral athletes by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

This became possible after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that FIS must allow neutral athletes from these nations to compete. This applies to athletes granted neutral status following an assessment based on specific, strict criteria. Such status means, among other things, that they must not have ties to the military or security forces, nor have supported the war in Ukraine.

The process of being approved as a neutral athlete is the responsibility of the athletes themselves. They must apply by sending an email to FIS to request the status and pay the fee.

So far, two Russian cross-country skiers have been granted neutral status: top prospect Saveliy Korostelev (22) and Darya Nepryaeva (23), the younger sister of Natalia Terenteva (formerly Nepryaeva).

Also Read: First neutral athletes cleared for World Cup return in Davos

Paid out of his own pocket

Speaking to Russian media, Korostelev says he paid 200.000 rubles to have his application processed, an amount equivalent to just over EUR 2.100.

Russian national team coach Egor Sorin confirms this.

“Of course, the fee to have an application for neutral status reviewed must be paid out of the athlete’s own pocket, since neutral status means the athlete is not dependent on anyone else. It’s not about anyone lacking money, but about the athlete’s own responsibility to apply for neutral status. Those are the rules,” he told Match TV.

World Cup debut in Davos

Both Saveliy Korostelev and Darya Nepryaeva competed in the World Cup round in Davos last weekend. It was the first World Cup race of their careers for both athletes.

Neither advanced from the sprint prologue on Saturday. Sunday’s 10km race went better, with Korostelev finishing 25th and Nepryaeva 20th. Both have now qualified for the 2026 Olympic Games.

Read More – IOC: Russians and Belarusians allowed to compete under neutral flag at 2026 Milano Cortina

 To be approved as “neutral” under IOC rules, athletes must:

• Qualify through the regular international qualification systems
• Not have supported the war against Ukraine
• Not affiliated with military or security forces
• Comply with all anti-doping rules and sign the Olympic participation conditions

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