Earlier today, the Norwegian Ski Association banned Russian skiers from participating in World Cup competitions in Norway. The International Ski Federation (FIS) banned Russians and Belarusians from participating in international competition on Tuesday afternoon.
Alexander Bolshunov coach Yuri Borodavko says To NRK (switch to another service)that the Russian national team is leaving Norway and at the same time states that the international season is over for them. The team is scheduled to travel home tomorrow. Following the Russian decision to leave, the FIS announced that it would exclude Russians and Belarusians from international competition.
German coach of the Russians Markus Cramer told NRK that he was very disappointed with the Norwegian cross – country ski leaders at the Norwegian Ski Association and the International Ski Federation FIS.
– It’s hard to understand when they say they don’t want Russian soldiers in Norway. I really do not understand that the head of the FIS Cross Country Committee can talk about a soldier in this case.
Director of the FIS Cross Country Committee Vegard Ulvang said earlier that he believes Russians should not be allowed to take part in competitions when Ukrainians have to defend their country. He recalled that the Russians are soldiers. Bolshunov, for example, was promoted to captain of the National Guard after Beijing. Cramer explained to NRK that the system in Russia is different from in Norway.
– Through the army, athletes receive a small salary to be able to play top sports. We do not come as soldiers, but as athletes. When the head of the FIS committee says so, he throws gasoline into the flames.
On Tuesday, it was reported that the Belarusian team would withdraw from Thursday’s sprint, which will be raced in Drammen. Competition Director Arne Madsen told Drammens Tidende.
The Norwegian Ski Association banned Russia’s participation
The Norwegian Ski Association announced today that Russian skiers will not be allowed to take part in the World Cup skiing competitions in Drammen and Holmenkollen. The International Ski Federation (FIS) had not yet ruled out the Russians, but the Norwegians took action. News about it NRK (switch to another service).
– The Norwegian Ski Association has today informed the International Ski Association FIS that future events in Norway will be held without Russians or Belarusians, regardless of the conclusion reached by the FIS, the Norwegian Ski Association’s press release said.
– We had hoped that the FIS would make a decision for the whole world of skiing, but we can no longer wait, President Erik Röste stated to NRK.
Shortly before the decision of the Norwegian Ski Association, Konnerud IL, which organizes the city sprint in Drammen, had published information that it would withdraw from the arrangements if the Russians ski on Thursday.
Secretary – General of the FIS Michel Vionin according to the Norwegian Ski Association could not deny the participation of the Russians, as it is contrary to the rules of the International Ski Association. On Monday, the FIS rejected Norway’s request and allowed the Russians and Belarusians to compete as so-called neutral athletes.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) made a decision to exclude Russians and Belarusians from international competition on Tuesday afternoon.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called on all sports federations to exclude Russia and Belarus from all international competitions. Several international federations, including Uefa, Fifa and the International Hockey Federation (IIHF), have decided to ban Russian teams.
Blue-yellow tickets are expected for Holmenkollen
Holmenkollen event manager Stefan Marx says the Norwegians want to show their full support for Ukraine over the weekend.
– We have been working on this for many days and we are pleased that the Norwegian Federation has now made this decision. We hope the FIS will follow suit, but our plans do not matter.
– We want to see a lot of blue-yellow flags at “Kollen”. We have already highlighted the place blue-yellow to support Ukraine and the Ukrainians.
Updated at 14.56: Added decision of the International Ski Federation to exclude Russians and Belarusians from competitions.