The new biathlon boss is under investigation.
Olle Dahlin is the subject of a police investigation. PDO
Chairman of the International Biathlon Union, i.e. IBU Olle Dahlin is under investigation by the Austrian police, says NRK.
– I am completely shocked by the accusations, which are completely unfounded. I deny them most strongly, Dahlin commented in the email sent by Ibu.
Dahlin has served as IBU’s chairman since 2018. He replaced Anders Bessebergwho is currently accused in Norway of gross corruption and accepting bribes.
It has been reported in court that Besseberg accepted, among other things, luxury watches, hunting trips, leasing cars, and the services of prostitutes in order to favor Russian athletes in doping cases.
Now Dahlin’s activities are also being examined with a magnifying glass. It is suspected that he made a similar agreement with the sponsor company Infront as Besseberg did during his own presidency.
The prosecutor said at Besseberg’s trial that the deal is very favorable for Infront.
Infront owns and sells several sports TV rights. The company has bought advertising space for biathlon competitions from Ibu.
A political motive?
Dahlin says he is ready to take legal action to clear his name. The Swede suspects that the purpose of the investigation is to question his credibility as chairman.
– I have not received an official notification about the investigation. I am sure that there is a political motive behind the speculations and innuendos.
The IBU cooperates with the Austrian police. Its Biathlon Integrity Unit, which focuses on ethics, is monitoring the progress of the investigation.
– It has not seen evidence that would show that the chairman acted unethically.