Negotiations over Bolshunov's return continue

Ongoing discussions about Alexander Bolshunov's possible return to the World Cup in long-distance skiing are continuing, according to multiple reports. A report by RIA Novosti, as relayed by Sports.ru, states that the FIS, the international skiing organization, does not want to grant the status of an individual neutral athlete to the Russian triple Olympic champion for the winter season 2026-2027.

FIS reportedly advises Bolshunov to wait

An anonymous source claims that Bolshunov has been advised to wait until next season, despite his departure from CSKA, the Russian army sports club. This would mean that he might not be able to compete in the current season, even though he is no longer affiliated with the military sports club that previously barred him from international competition.

Russian officials question the reports

Russian ski officials have responded to these reports. Dmitry Svishchev, president of the Russian Ski and Snowboard Federation, stated that the federation has received no information from the FIS regarding Bolshunov and that they are in constant contact with the organization. He expressed doubts about the reliability of the sources behind these revelations.

Federation confirms ongoing talks

Svishchev clarified that negotiations with the international body continue. He noted that Alexander Bolshunov has not yet obtained the status of a neutral athlete and that the federation is in the middle of negotiations. He added that several dozen athletes are waiting for similar status, and more than 160 athletes had already received authorization.

FIS faces a difficult decision

Bolshunov, who has been excluded from international competitions since 2022 like other Russian long-distance skiers, hopes to benefit from the reopening of the circuit to neutral athletes. Internal sources cited by the NRK mention a real dilemma: allowing his return risks provoking the anger of several major skiing nations, notably Norway, or maintaining his exclusion and exposing themselves to a recourse before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). The file is expected to be addressed on Tuesday during a meeting of the FIS council.

FIS declines to comment on individual case

When questioned by Scandinavian television, the organization refused to comment on his individual case, citing legal and confidentiality reasons. This indicates that the FIS is handling the matter with caution, likely due to the potential political and legal implications of its decision.