Dispute over investor entry
“Not to be taken seriously”: Fis boss dismisses ski stars
Updated 12/13/2024 – 2:03 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
In two incendiary letters, ski stars such as Shiffrin, Odermatt and Straßer addressed the World Federation Fis and President Eliasch. He is now countering – with clear accusations against the athletes.
In the escalating dispute over a possible investor entry into the World Ski Association Fis, President Johan Eliasch has accused the athletes of allowing themselves to be used for political purposes. After the athletes published two letters of protest, Eliasch expressed doubts that they actually came from the signatories.
“I don’t think these letters were written by athletes, but by someone else whose interests do not correspond to their interests or those of the FIs,” said Eliasch in an interview with the German Press Agency. The letters were “simply not to be taken seriously.”
Eliasch reported speaking to athletes who allegedly didn’t even know they were involved. “Some didn’t even know that their names were put under the letters,” claimed the 62-year-old. Others did not understand what they were signing or were pressured to do so without knowing the content. He didn’t mention any names.
The conflict revolves around an offer from the financial company CVC to join Fis for 400 million euros. The athletes accuse the association of rejecting the offer without consultation. Eliasch, however, explained that the collaboration with the rights marketer Infront for the central marketing of international media rights had nothing to do with a possible investor or raising capital. “We have enough cash at Fis,” the boss made clear.
According to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, 71 athletes signed the second protest letter, including stars like Mikaela Shiffrin and Marco Odermatt as well as the Germans Linus Straßer, Lena Dürr, Emma Aicher, Kira Weidle and Jessica Hilzinger. Given the large number of signatories, it is difficult to imagine that many of them acted unknowingly.
The athletes complain that they are not included in important decisions and are calling for the Infront deal to be paused and discussions to begin with CVC instead. Eliasch rejected this demand and criticized the athletes for only showing interest in the process when the prospect of 400 million euros was presented. Since his election in 2021, Eliasch has been criticized for acting in an authoritarian manner.
The deal with Infront could come into force soon if nine out of ten World Cup organizing associations agree. According to Eliasch, however, the Austrian Ski Association is blocking it. “Yes, I’m talking about the Austrians,” he said. This reduces the potential returns of the deal.