The Norwegians faded away, but the Finns should not leave the meetings in Zurich.
Jelena Välbe, the president of the Russian Ski Federation, is known as a capricious iron lady. PASI LEISMA
According to Norwegian information, a Russian delegation of 10–15 people arrived at the important meeting of the International Ski Federation FISI, which is being organized in Zurich. Russian ski boss Jelena Välbe is reportedly also in the group.
The Norwegians got heated and left the place.
Vice President of Fis Martti Uusitalo takes it calmly.
– This issue has a political aspect and a Fis aspect. Fis has not made a negative decision regarding the participation of Russians in meetings. No country has brought the issue to the table within Fis. It has not been discussed in any meeting.
– So the Russians have the right to participate, Uusitalo reminds.
Official route
In the spring, Russian and Belarusian athletes were excluded from all activities of the International Ski Federation.
Now, at least in the Nordic countries, people are thinking about why Russian ski bosses participate in meetings.
– The matter should have been handled the way athletes were banned from the Games. An official route, through meetings and a decision, Uusitalo adds.
Hihtodirika has a personal opinion on the matter.
– If the athletes are not allowed to participate, neither should the trust management or experts be allowed to participate, Uusitalo, known as an alpine skier, continues.
Without Norwegians
More than 50 different meetings and seminars will be held in Zurich this week, dealing with cross-country skiing as well as other sports such as alpine, combined and ski jumping.
In the meetings, decisions regarding the rules and the next winter’s competition calendar are hammered out, among other things – now without the Norwegians.
– Decisions are made without Norwegians. They are not now voting and deciding big issues concerning cross-country skiing.
– Politically speaking, the Norwegians’ decision is straightforward. But there are important things on the table.
The situation may lead to Norwegians having a lot to complain about during the long ski season.
– I will not comment, Uusitalo replies.
The Finns are not out
The situation at the meeting in Zurich must be a little confused.
– Finns should not march out of there. The Finns present at the meetings represent an important form of sport for us. The walkout does not advance anything.
– As I stated, the possible exclusion of trust management or even experts from Fisi meetings should be handled through the official route.
Russian provocation?
Välbe, the president of the Russian Ski Federation, is known as a capricious iron lady.
Is participating in the meeting a provocation by the Russians?
– I don’t see it that way. They represent skiing in their country, they are not forbidden to come to the meeting. However, consideration could have been used there as well.
Having said this, Uusitalo thinks about it for a moment.
– Or who knows? There are so many things in the background, including state interests.
The cross-country skiing world cup starts on the last weekend of November in Ruka.