World Skiing President Eliasch Faces Re-Election Vote Amid Shiffrin, Odermatt Calls for Change
FIS President Eliasch faces a re-election vote, challenged by athletes and federations citing concerns over his autocratic management, finances, and commercial rights consolidation.
- Johan Eliasch faces a re-election vote Thursday to remain president of FIS, confronting strong opposition from Alpine, Nordic, and American heartlands of winter sport.
- Senior officials from the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Norway detailed concerns last month regarding Eliasch's leadership, citing increased operating costs and declined cash reserves.
- Champions Mikaela Shiffrin and Marco Odermatt, along with medalist Alex Hall, criticized the current FIS direction, noting that promised prize money increases have not materialized and contributions are expected to decrease.
- FIS Council member Alexander Ospelt, a lawyer from Liechtenstein, serves as the sole ballot opponent, stressing a "realistic and transparent financial plan" and increased athlete involvement across disciplines.
- Eliasch secured his nomination through Georgia and remains a rare sitting president who also holds membership in the International Olympic Committee, an unusual position in Olympic sports politics.
21 Articles
21 Articles
FIS president faces reelection vote amid Shiffrin, Odermatt calls for change
Johan Eliasch faces a re-election vote Thursday to stay president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) against strong opposition from the Alpine, Nordic, and North American heartlands of winter sport.
On Thursday, the FIS Congress in Belgrade will decide whether the unpopular Johan Eliasch remains president.
Will Small Countries Make a Difference? The Big Deal Has Started at the International Ski Federation
Like Sepp Blatter in his time at FIFA, Johan Eliasch is working to win over the poorest federations in order to save his position at the head of the FIS. On the eve of the decisive election, the Crowne Plaza in Belgrade is ridden with rumours in every direction.
Associated Press News
World skiing president Eliasch faces re-election vote amid Shiffrin, Odermatt calls for change
It's rare in Olympic sports politics for a sitting president to be challenged in an election after just one full term in office.
Johan Eliasch threatens the election as president of the FIS Ski World Federation. The opposition draws a gloomy picture of the finances - and relies on a Liechtensteiner.
The Congress of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation opens on Wednesday in Belgrade. All eyes are already on Thursday's day, which will see the members of the FIS appoint a new president. Chosen in 2021, Johan Eliasch is running a second term. Not in the best conditions, however, since he was not supported by any of the two countries of which he was a national, Great Britain and Sweden. This prompted him to move closer to Georgia, from…
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