The International Skating Union (ISU) has allowed Belarusian and Russian athletes to compete in international competitions under neutral status during the 2026/2027 season.
“Athletes representing Russia and Belarus will be able to compete without items of state recognition, namely national flags, national kit and national anthems. Participation will be dependent on no evidence of breaches of athletes’ neutral status, which reinforces the primacy of fair sport on the ice,” the organisation said in a press release.
An athlete will not be eligible to compete under neutral status if they serve in the armed forces or state security services of Belarus or Russia, have actively participated in military operations in the war against Ukraine since February 2022, or have actively and publicly supported the war.
Neutral athletes representing ISU member federations from Russia and Belarus may compete in team events as part of a team of neutral athletes. This applies to team disciplines, including synchronized skating, speed skating team pursuit, short track relay events and the ISU World Team Trophy.
The ISU said it is prepared to ease the restrictions “only where it is satisfied that no safety or integrity issues arise.”
