Encouraging news for domestic sports came from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Michel Vion, Secretary General of the organization, speaking at the Forum Nordicum conference, said that the question of the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the world stage is becoming more and more persistent.

According to him, the corresponding decision can be made in December.

“The IOC is once again starting to think about how to open the doors a little, guided by the fact that sport can and should be independent of politics.

This will take several weeks, perhaps two or three months - it is not clear exactly.

But the idea of ​​opening doors for Russians and Belarusians is starting to take shape.

This is not about holding competitions in Russia, but about the participation of athletes in FIS events, in this case, in the World Cup ... Probably, a decision can be made in December, and then they will be able to take part in the World Championships in Planica, ” functionary said.

President of the Russian Ski Racing Federation (FLGR) Elena Vyalbe noted that Vion's words are a good sign, along with the fact that domestic representatives will go to the meeting of the FIS technical committee, which will be held in Zurich from September 27 to 30.

“If we go to the World Cup, it will be very good.

We do not distance ourselves from anyone and do not close ourselves.

There should always be hope for the best, you should always think only about the good, ”RIA Novosti quotes the three-time Olympic champion.

The voices in support of the suspended skiers have, indeed, sounded much louder lately.

What is the performance of the five-time Olympic champion Johannes Klebo, who said that the principal rivals must be returned "for the sake of the common good."

In addition, the situation directly affects the profits of the international federation.

According to the broadcast media report, Russia is the main market for FIS.

Last season, competitions held under its auspices were watched 271 million times in the Russian Federation, 164 million in Sweden, which ranks second. Norway, with 89 million, is only in fifth place.

It is also noted that in the 2021/22 season, views fell significantly compared to the previous year - by 27%.

The authors of the analysis attribute this to a decrease in the level of results of Russian athletes, as well as to their removal at the end of February.

The fact that in the timid steps of the FIS on the return of domestic athletes there is not only sports, but also financial interest, says the vice-president of the FLGR Sergey Kryanin.

“I think FIS is well aware that without Russian skiers the upcoming season will not be so interesting, it will not cause excitement among the fans.

The partners of the international federation also understand this, because it is in their interests that the level of attention to skiing tournaments be sufficiently high.

Therefore, they want to see our guys both at the Cup and at the World Championships.

Are we ready?

Definitely.

Wake us up at night, we will run 10, and 20, and 50 km, and even win, ”said the interlocutor of RT.

However, the desire of the international federation alone will not be enough for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the coming season.

The overwhelming majority of sports organizations in their decisions are guided by the position of the International Olympic Committee, which has remained unchanged over the past six months.

Although the head of the organization, Thomas Bach, speaks in some speeches about possible relaxations and the admission of athletes in a neutral status, no official statements have been received in this regard.

“FIS will not make this decision without the explicit recommendation of the IOC,” Wion frankly admitted in his speech.

It is this phrase that is the key, sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev is sure.

He does not expect any easing on issues related to sanctions in the near future, and calls on all "optimists" to come to terms with this.

“Our skiers will not compete in Planica, everyone needs to understand this.

The suspension will be long.

It seems to me that the people who are now saying that we will return somewhere are asleep.

FIS puts a good face on a bad game.

It all depends on the IOC.

We must be aware that in December no one will definitely return us anywhere, and prepare for skipping the Winter Olympics.

It is necessary to hold competitions in Russia, support sports, create conditions for its development, ”Match TV quotes Guberniev.

The head coach of the Russian national team, Yuri Borodavko, was not so categorical about the possible cancellation of the suspension.

In his opinion, there are chances for a positive decision, but it is also likely that everything will remain as it is.

“If people are discussing this case, it means they have some ideas.

FIS is a public organization.

Everything is decided by majority vote.

The opinion of their leadership may not be very popular with representatives of other countries.

Knowing the political situation, now there is a high probability that we will either be allowed to compete or not.

Everyone will benefit from our participation.

There is also a great chance that people who do not want to see Russia have a big lobby and they will be able to push it.

Such statements are a positive step.

There are already sound thoughts regarding the admission of Russian athletes, ”Sport-Express quotes a specialist.