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CAS Allows Some Russian Luge Athletes to Compete Neutrally

11/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) partially upheld the Russian Luge Federation (RLF) appeal, allowing some athletes to compete as neutrals in the 2026 Winter Olympics qualifying events.
CAS maintained the exclusion of RLF athletes from International Luge Federation (FIL) events, but lifted the ban for those meeting the Individual Neutral Athlete criteria.
The decision comes amid sanctions on Russian and Belarusian athletes after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

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Story summary

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) partially upheld the Russian Luge Federation (RLF) appeal, allowing some athletes to compete as neutrals in the 2026 Winter Olympics qualifying events.
CAS maintained the exclusion of RLF athletes from International Luge Federation (FIL) events, but lifted the ban for those meeting the Individual Neutral Athlete criteria.
The decision comes amid sanctions on Russian and Belarusian athletes after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.