International Skating Union denies Kamila Valiyeva neutral eligibility status

The International Skating Union confirmed that Kamila Valiyeva and Mark Kondratiuk no longer meet the requirements for neutral eligibility in international figure skating competitions. Aleksandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin were also denied neutral status by the governing body. While the International Skating Union previously opened a path for Russian and Belarusian skaters to compete as neutrals in the 2026-27 season, athletes must prove they do not have active military ties or support the war in Ukraine. Valiyeva, who previously served a four-year suspension, is among the 234 individuals who submitted neutrality forms for review. The International Skating Union now permits neutral skaters to enter top-level events like the Grand Prix Series, which begins in October. Vladislav Dikidzhi remains the only Russian skater added to a Grand Prix entry list since the June ruling.

• 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Kamila Valiyeva denied neutral eligibility for international figure skating events