MOSCOW, April 8 President of the Finnish Ski Association Markku Haapasalmi opposed the election of Elena Vyalbe to the Council of the International Ski Federation (FIS). Earlier it was reported that the head of the Russian Ski Racing Federation (FLGR) Vyalbe would be re-elected to the FIS Council. It will include 21 people: the FIS president, two athletes and 18 elected council members who will be selected from 23 candidates. «There is nothing unclear on this issue. We strongly oppose her candidacy. I am not going to vote for her. I will be very surprised if no one shows that he condemns Russia's actions. Of course, everything is unpredictable, but I hope so. Absolutely everyone should take a clear position and oppose it, «Ilta-Sanomat quotes Haapasalmi. Vyalbe is a three-time Olympic champion and a 14-time world champion for cross-country skiing. She has been heading the FLGR since 2010. Against the background of the situation in Ukraine, FIS first deprived Russia of the right to host the World Cup Final in Tyumen, and then decided not to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in competitions under the auspices of the organization until the end of the 2021/22 season. This decision was made in accordance with the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
