The CAS Ad hoc Division has registered an application by Skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych (Ukraine) against the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF). The application challenges the IBSF Jury decision to withdraw the Athlete from the Men’s Skeleton event with immediate effect from the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (2026 OWG).

Filed at 16:30 on 12 February 2026, the application challenges the IBSF Jury decision on 12 February 2026 stating that Mr Heraskevych intended to wear in competition a helmet displaying portraits of Ukrainian athletes who lost their lives in the war, which was considered as being inconsistent with the Olympic Charter and Guidelines on Athlete Expression. Mr Heraskevych had communicated earlier to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the IBSF that he would wear the helmet, even after he was informed that he would not be admitted under such circumstances. The helmet was used during 2026 OWG Skeleton training sessions.

Mr Heraskevych argues that the exclusion is disproportionate, unsupported by any technical or safety violation and causes irreparable sporting harm to him. His application requests the annulment of the IBSF Jury decision and, by way of provisional measures, that CAS reinstates him in the 2026 OWG with immediate effect, or in the alternative, that the athlete performs a CAS supervised official run pending the final decision.

A Sole Arbitrator has been appointed to consider the matter with urgency. An Operative decision (without grounds) is expected first, which will be announced. CAS said that it is not possible to indicate a precise timeframe for an Operative decision at this stage.