Earlier today, the International Ski Federation Fis announced that it will cancel all competitions in Russia for the rest of the season due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- I think everyone understands why we made this decision.
Via the media, we have all seen what the situation looks like, so I do not think it is difficult to understand why we made the decision, says Pierre, who himself was not involved in making the decision, says Fi's competition director Pierre Mignerey to SVT Sport.
Mignerey himself was not involved and made the decision.
Do you know if there were discussions about excluding Russian skiers from competitions?
- No, not what I know.
Athletes are victims in this situation and I do not think it is a good solution to give them sanctions for something they are not responsible for.
New organizer will be announced shortly
Several skiers, including Marcus Grate and Johannes Hösflot Kläbo, have been critical and believed that Fis should have acted earlier in the matter.
- It is a long process and many disciplines and stakeholders involved, says Mignerey and continues:
- The situation became very dramatic a day ago and I think it is reasonable to take the time to act correctly and that those who are to be involved and make the decision have time to get involved.
The decision means that the World Cup final, which was planned to be held in Tiumen, Russia, March 18-20, will be held elsewhere.
- We started looking at a potential plan B already last week and we have some alternatives on the table.
We will have some final discussions with potential organizers and we hope to be able to communicate a decision at the beginning of next week, says Mignerey.