OBERHOFEN, Switzerland -- Lindsey Vonn's request to compete in a men's World Cup downhill race has been rejected.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) council met Saturday and "confirmed that one gender is not entitled to participate in races of the other," adding that "exceptions will not be made to the FIS Rules."

Vonn, a four-time overall World Cup champion, wanted to enter the men's downhill at Lake Louise, Alta., on Nov. 24, six days before the women race on the same course.

The FIS says Vonn "is welcome to submit a request to the organizing committee and jury to be a forerunner" for the races. Forerunners test the course before races for safety and visibility.