Athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to compete as neutral athletes in qualification events for next year’s Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina following a vote by the sport’s governing body on Tuesday.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation’s (FIS) decision means that, unless a late change occurs, Russian and Belarusian skiers and snowboarders will not take part in the Games, which begin on 6 February.

In September, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it would allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Winter Games under a neutral flag and strict conditions, as they did at the Paris Olympics, but the final decision would rest with individual sports federations.

Last year, 15 neutral Russians and 17 neutral Belarusians accepted an Olympic invitation to compete at the summer Games.