The key facts

  • Anna Antseliovich: CAS proceedings are lengthy; an expedited process is possible only with FIS's consent
  • On November 4, Norwegian media reported that FIS had refused to grant Bolshunov neutral status
  • Bolshunov was included in the preliminary list for the first World Cup stages in Ruka and Trondheim

The proceedings could extend beyond the season

Russian cross-country skier Alexander Bolshunov risks missing the entire season due to legal proceedings with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) over obtaining neutral status. This warning was issued by sports lawyer Anna Antseliovich, her words were reported by RIA Novosti.

Conditions for an expedited procedure

“As a general rule, proceedings at CAS take a very long time. If all parties agree, the case can be heard on an expedited basis within almost any timeframe, but FIS must consent to this. If there is no consent, then, most likely, the proceedings will not fit within a single season,” said Antseliovich. Thus, the timeline of the case directly depends on the federation's own position.

Background

On November 4, Norwegian media reported that FIS had refused to grant Bolshunov neutral status. Back on November 1, information emerged that the federation did not intend to grant him this status and suggested waiting until the next season. Meanwhile, FIS had earlier expressed hope that Russia would not appeal the decision regarding Bolshunov.

What is at stake

Bolshunov was included in the preliminary list of Russian skiers who will take part in the first two stages of the 2026/2027 World Cup in Ruka and Trondheim. The first stage in Ruka, Finland, will take place on November 27–29. Bolshunov is a three-time Olympic champion; he also has four silver and two bronze medals from the Games, a world title in the skiathlon (2021), two World Cup titles (2019/20, 2020/21), and two Tour de Ski victories (2019/2020 and 2021).