The biathlon scene is looking forward to France on Thursday, where the disciplinary committee of the French Ski Association (FFS) will make its verdict in the case of the legally convicted Julia Simon. From a warning to a long ban, numerous measures are up for debate.
For Julia Simon, November 6th could be one of the most important days of her career. This Thursday, the ten-time biathlon world champion must testify before the disciplinary committee of the French Ski Federation and explain her crimes against several members of the national team.
After the case is first discussed and the court’s official documents are presented, Simon is given the opportunity to comment on the matter himself. According to the statutes, she has the right to have her lawyer speak for her. After the hearing ends, the association representatives withdraw and make a verdict behind closed doors.
Simon verdict will be announced soon
According to the association’s statutes, this judgment must be announced within ten weeks. However, since this is an urgent case, an immediate announcement is expected. A training camp for the French team begins in Bessans on Friday, and the new season starts in Östersund in around three weeks.
The range of possible sanctions is wide and is listed in Article 22 of the French association statutes. The options available include a warning, a maximum fine of 45,000 euros, a withdrawal of sporting results and, and that would be the worst case for the biathlete, temporary exclusions from various competitions.
Purely theoretically, the association could ban Simon for the entire 2025/26 season. A partial exclusion until the turn of the year would also be possible. Biathlon legend Ole Einar Bjørndalen recently assumed this scenario.
Will Julia Simon’s Olympic dream burst?
But even if Simon were “only” banned until January, it would be unclear whether the 29-year-old would be able to take part in the Olympic Games. Although she has met the qualification criteria, her nomination would probably be discussed again within the association.
After the association has announced its verdict, Simon will have the opportunity to appeal. However, this step would not cancel a possible ban. The original verdict would remain in place until a new hearing.