Despite FIS decision: Visa problems for Russian athletes

The controversy surrounding the FIS exemption permitting several athletes with neutral status ("AIN") to participate in FIS competitions during the 2026/27 season continues unabated.

Criticism of FIS: Organizers fight back against Russia's return >>>

Now, dissatisfaction is brewing among Russian jumpers. According to the Russian federation, they faced visa refusals when attempting to enter Europe. "We received unpleasant news regarding our ski jumpers. They have neutral status, but due to visa denials in Europe, they will not be able to compete. It is a great shame that our athletes, who have permission to start, cannot take part in competitions," lamented Dmitry Svishchev, President of the Russian Ski and Snowboard Federation, speaking to "sport24.ru".

Pertile: "Visa and entry rules are determined solely by the host country"

The jumpers were already unable to compete in the finale of the Summer Grand Prix in Klingenthal for this reason. A total of 25 jumpers from Russia and Belarus are listed as neutral athletes with FIS: 13 men, including one Belarusian, and 12 women, along with 18 support staff.

FIS itself denies any blame and points to the visa regulations of the respective countries: "According to the information we received, they did not have visas that would have allowed them entry. The position of FIS is clear: visa and entry rules are naturally determined solely by the country hosting the competitions," FIS Race Director Sandro Pertile told "skijumping.pl".