FIS does not intend to clear Bolshunov for international starts in the 2026/27 season

According to RIA Novosti, FIS does not plan to grant Alexander Bolshunov neutral status in the current season and suggested he wait for the next one, despite his departure from CSKA. At the same time, the skier remains on the preliminary list for the first World Cup stages, and the number of cleared Russians has reached 57.

Otabek YusupovFirst published on tafs uz 1 November 2026 at 14:152 min read

The key facts

According to RIA Novosti citing a source, FIS suggested Bolshunov wait until next season
Borodavko saw the departure from CSKA as fulfilling a federation requirement that increased the chances of clearance
On October 31, the number of Russian skiers with neutral status reached 57

Refusal despite leaving CSKA

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) does not intend to grant three-time Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov neutral status for the 2026/27 season. This was reported by RIA Novosti, citing a sourcefamiliar with the situation: «He was told to wait until next season, even though he left CSKA». Earlier, head coach of the Russian national team Yuriy Borodavko confirmed the athlete's departure from the army sports system and, in his view, the fulfillment of an important federation requirement that was supposed to increase the chances of returning to international starts.

Background: previous refusals and relaxed rules

Bolshunov has already faced a refusal: in December 2025, the FIS commission rejected his application without disclosing reasons, and upon a repeated application promised a new review. In October, as Life.ru wrote, the skier was asked to provide additional documents after objections from European federations. Meanwhile, in September FIS relaxed the neutral status criteria, removing from the regulations the wording that restricted the participation of athletes due to their previous ties with army and security structures. However, active voluntary contracts with the armed forces still prevent clearance, and compliance with the requirements is checked individually — which is why leaving CSKA by itself did not guarantee a positive decision.

Context: the World Cup list and the clearance of other skiers

Despite the uncertainty, Bolshunov was included in the preliminary list of Russian skiers for the first World Cup stages: those on the list do not need to go through an additional domestic selection, but they will only be able to compete abroad after FIS approval. Meanwhile, the process of Russian athletes' return continues: on October 31, Life.ru reported the clearance of 12 more athletes, bringing the number of those who received individual neutral status for the current season to 57.