International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation Extends Ban on Russian Teams for World Cup Season

Updated Sanctions for the 2024-2025 Season

The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) has confirmed that Russian teams will continue to be barred from World Cup bobsled racing for the upcoming season. This decision, reached via a majority vote on Tuesday, extends existing sanctions originally implemented in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Neutral Participation for Individual Athletes

While team-based bobsled events remain closed to Russian representatives, the federation has carved out a limited path for individual participation in specific disciplines:

• Allowed Disciplines: Athletes may apply to compete in skeleton and monobob events.
• Neutral Status: Participation is strictly contingent on achieving the status of an "individual neutral athlete."
• Vetting Process: Candidates must pass independent vetting to confirm they do not have affiliations with the Russian military or security forces and have not publicly supported the war.

Context and Competition Schedule

The distinction between disciplines is based on the lack of a team structure in skeleton and monobob, which involve only a single athlete per sled. This approach mirrors the eligibility protocols utilized during qualifying cycles for previous international winter sports events. Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych publicly acknowledged the decision, citing concerns regarding previous support for government actions by the Russian federation and its athletes. The competitive season is scheduled to commence on November 27 in Altenberg, Germany. Stakeholders are advised to monitor the official IBSF portal for updates regarding specific eligibility lists and vetting outcomes.