What's happened
The International Luge Federation has reaffirmed its ban on Russian athletes from international competitions, including the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics. The decision, made during a congress in Finland, reflects ongoing concerns about safety and fairness amid the war in Ukraine. The ban has been in place since 2022.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- The FIL's decision to maintain the ban underscores the ongoing impact of geopolitical tensions on sports.
- Concerns raised by athletes included issues of safety, fairness, and anti-doping compliance, indicating a divided opinion within the sports community.
- The FIL's president emphasized the importance of integrity and safety in international competition, suggesting that the organization prioritizes these values over potential inclusivity.
Implications:
- The exclusion of Russian athletes may affect the competitive landscape of the Winter Olympics, as their absence could alter medal distributions.
- The FIL's decision may set a precedent for other sports federations, potentially leading to broader implications for Russian athletes in various disciplines.
- As the Olympics approach, the situation may evolve, particularly if other governing bodies choose to follow the FIL's lead or if political circumstances change.
What the papers say
According to Tim Reynolds from The Independent, the FIL voted 24-7 to extend the ban on Russian athletes, stating, "The Congress has made its position clear." Meanwhile, AP News reported that the decision reflects a commitment to integrity and safety, with FIL President Einars Fogelis noting the importance of upholding fair competition. The contrasting perspectives highlight the complexities of balancing competitive integrity with inclusivity in sports amidst ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
How we got here
The ban on Russian athletes was first implemented in response to the 2021 invasion of Ukraine. It has been extended multiple times, with the latest decision made on June 18, 2025, ahead of the Winter Olympics scheduled for February 2026.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for Russian athletes in other sports?
- How have athletes reacted to the ban?
- What might change before the Olympics?
More on these topics
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The International Luge Federation is the main international federation for all luge sports. Founded by 13 nations at Davos, Switzerland in 1957, it has members of 53 national luge associations as of 2009 and is based in Berchtesgaden, Germany.
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Finland, officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the west, Russia to the east, Norway to the north, and is defined by the Gulf of Bothnia to the west, and the Gulf of Finland of the