The International Skating Union has reportedly rescinded the neutral athlete status of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, effectively barring her from international competitions this year. According to reports, the decision stems from a potential violation of the eligibility criteria required for Russian athletes to participate in global events following the invasion of Ukraine. Valieva, who is currently serving a four-year suspension issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport due to a positive doping test from 2021, remains ineligible for major events like the upcoming Winter Olympics. The governing body maintains strict requirements for neutral status, including prohibitions against affiliations with military or security services and public support for the ongoing conflict. This development follows pressure from the Ukrainian Figure Skating Federation, which has called for more rigorous vetting processes and continuous monitoring of athletes from Russia and Belarus.
Source : The Moscow Times
