Johan Eliasch Faces Re-election Challenge as FIS Members Vote in Belgrade

Johan Eliasch faces a re-election vote Thursday to remain president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. The meeting is scheduled in Belgrade, Serbia, with 80 voting nations participating. Eliasch, 64, a dual citizen of Sweden and Britain, obtained a passport and nomination from Georgia after the national ski federations of Sweden and Britain declined to support him.

Candidates from the United States, Britain and Denmark withdrew before the vote, leaving Alexander Ospelt, a lawyer from Liechtenstein and FIS Council member, as his sole opponent. Eliasch told The Associated Press that about 10 of the 80 voting nations feel differently while the vast majority are on board. “For me, this election is a win-win,” he said.

“If I win, I get to carry on with what I’m the most passionate about, which is ski racing. ” He also said he does not have 25 years to devote to the role. Eliasch was elected FIS president in 2021 and later became a member of the International Olympic Committee.

During his term he brought control in-house of commercial rights to FIS events including world championships and World Cup circuits, which led to legal action and frustrated member federations. He said FIS purchased the Freeride World Tour, a travel agency and developed digital content, adding that the organization had cash reserves it put to work.

Eliasch stated that FIS achieved more in five years than in the previous 100 but could have moved faster.

“I haven’t been tough enough,” he told the AP. ” A group of senior officials from the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Norway wrote to FIS member federations last month stating that cash reserves have declined substantially, annual operating costs have increased and revenues have not developed as anticipated.