An allegedly rejected investor offer of 400 million euros to the World Ski Association continues to cause a stir. After the FIS described the allegations as “false”, the scene’s top athletes called for more say in a second letter.
The million dollar dispute between the ski “rebels” over the superstars Mikaela Shiffrin and Marco Odermatt and the world association FIS is entering the next round. In a second letter to the FIS, Shiffrin and Co. apparently demand a say, criticize the stagnation in skiing and urge the examination of alternatives in shaping the future. This is reported by the Swiss newspaper “Blick”.
“What was once a presidential commitment to improve conditions for all athletes has instead resulted in a scenario that leaves athletes frustrated“, the paper quotes from the letter to the controversial FIS President Johan Eliasch. It is also addressed to the members of the FIS Council, to the representatives of the national ski associations and to the so-called “stakeholders”.
Athletes in dialogue with investors
The athletes therefore entered into a dialogue with the investor (CVC), whose offer of 400 million euros for the marketing of skiing was rejected by the FIS. The discussion was constructive, transparent and well thought out, they say. Although further examination of the offer is essential, CVC will “driven by a sincere commitment to the growth and development of our sport“.
Shiffrin and Co. want the FIS to put the conclusion of negotiations about the centralization of media and broadcast rights with marketer Infront on hold – a clear no to Eliasch’s plans. Instead, they are calling for other options to be examined and the athletes’ opinions to be sought – also in the CVC case.
Eliasch: Accusations are “false”
In an initial reaction, Eliasch rejected the stars’ original criticism. The allegations from activists and council members from Germany, among others, are “incorrect“, said the FIS. The world association is “well capitalized“and need”no further funding“. CVC’s proposal is also inadequate.
FIS President Johan Eliasch
Central marketing is the sticking point
What exactly is it about? The financial company CVC is said to have offered the FIS on November 30th to buy in with 400 million euros and to take over the central marketing of media and sponsorship rights together with the individual winter sports associations. The FIS is said to have rejected the offer.
Parts of the ski world reacted indignantly in an initial letter to the world association: Among the signatories of the letter were Shiffrin and Odermatt as well as the top German slalom skier Linus Straßer.
FIS: “Claim is false”
The letter indicates that CVC’s offer was rejected without appropriate examination because the FIS, together with the company Infront, was already pushing forward the centralization of international media rights, the world association said. “CVC’s proposal had nothing to do with the centralization of media and broadcast rights”it continued: “It was an investment proposal for the creation of a joint venture to manage all commercial rights related to the FIS and its member associations.”
DSV took legal action against FIS
The FIS, she continued, “remains committed to initiatives that are consistent with its strategic vision and promote the long-term growth and success of winter sports.” Some people doubt that. According to the “Süddeutscher Zeitung”, the protest letter from the athletes and officials to the FIS was from one “noticeable lack of progress” the speech.
Eliasch, who was elected as the new FIS President in 2021, is highly controversial, and central marketing is one of his major goals. So far, each association has decided on the international media rights for the events in its country itself. The German Ski Association (DSV) even took legal action against the FIS’s plans – and won the case before the Munich regional court in October.