Consequences for Russia and Belarus
For Russia and Belarus, on the other hand, no flags, symbols or national insignia may be displayed at competitions. In addition, the athletes must compete in neutral-colored clothing.
The anthems of Russia and Belarus are no longer played. In addition, there will be no points for the two countries in the national ranking.
Exclusion in Estonia and Norway?
As things stand at present, the Russian and Belarusian teams cannot start in Otepää because, according to the Estonian government, they are not allowed to enter the country. The IBU took note of this, but still wants to hold the inaugural World Cup in Otepää as planned.
Norway is also currently examining ways of excluding Russians and Belarusians from the competitions at Holmenkollen.
Athletes “are part of our family”
Ski jumping race director Sandro Pertile then defended the step of not excluding Russia’s athletes in the sports show. “The Russian athletes can compete – without the Russian flag and anthem. They are part of our family. They are people who live with the other athletes for a whole year. We would like to support the athletes“, said Pertile, responsible for the world association FIS: “We want to support these people. They are human beings. For us, the family feeling is also very important.”
The FIS decided on Friday evening that Russian athletes can continue to compete despite the current situation – but without the Russian flag and anthem, which will be replaced by the FIS flag and anthem.
According to the current status, the FIS does not want to follow Norway’s suggestion that no Russian athletes will be allowed to participate in the Raw Air Tour and the Ski Flying World Championships in the coming weeks.
Source: red/dpa