In the dispute over the marketing of the rights, the German ski association even took the world association to court. As the BR has now learned, the FIS and the national associations have reached an agreement.
A central marketing deal pushed by the World Ski Federation FIS can probably come into force after long negotiations. As the BR learned from DSV circles, enough nations agreed to joint marketing of international media rights. From the 2026/27 season onwards, the Infront company will centrally market these media rights to the World Cups in various sports. The Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Swiss newspaper Blick first reported on it. The world association could not initially be reached for confirmation.
Controversial Central marketing
There has recently been a heated argument about central marketing between the FIS, which has long been vehemently demanding this under President Johan Eliasch, and the national associations. The world association expects higher revenues, but the nations feared for their right to have a say. The German Ski Association (DSV) was successful with a lawsuit before a Munich court. The Austrians also sued – there is still no verdict there.
FIS makes concessions National associations
According to DSV information, the FIS had made concessions to the individual national associations in order to get them on board. After the DSV, Switzerland, the USA and Canada also agreed to the deal this week. Only Austria continues to reject central marketing. There was initially no official confirmation from the associations.
The Infront business should not be confused with the possible entry of an investor who recently caused a stir in the ski world. The financial company CVC approached the FIS with the suggestion of working together in the future – but Eliasch refused.
Athletes criticize FIS boss in a fire letter
Because an investment of 400 million euros was involved, a number of athletes complained that they were not involved in the process. In two incendiary letters, the athletes – including stars like Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), Marco Odermatt (Switzerland) and the German Linus Straßer – strongly criticized the FIS and Eliasch. The president then claimed that the letters were not to be taken seriously and that many athletes signed the letter without supporting the content.
Source: BR24Sport December 19, 2024 – 5:54 p.m
