Skistreit escalated: DSV complains against FIS - who has the right?
Skistreit escalated: DSV complains against FIS - who has the right?
In the current dispute over the marketing rights within the international skiing, the German Ski Association (DSV) initiated legal steps against the World Association FIS. This conflict is due to a redesign of the FIS competitive rules, which in the DSV believes not only violate German but also European competition law. Stefan Schwarzbach, a member of the DSV board, made it clear: "That is why a few months ago we decided to apply for an injunction at the Munich Regional Court to protect our ownership rights." This information was confirmed by the German Press Agency after BR24 first reported.
The Austrian Ski Association, which has also taken legal action, also acts similarly. A decision by the Munich District Court is expected in mid -October, while the proceedings in Austria were postponed to the end of November.agreement or further confrontation?
The marketing rights that have previously been managed independently by the national associations are at the center of the conflict. However, this could change through the plans of Johan Eliasch, the President of the FIS. This would like to manage the rights centrally from the 2025/26 season to open up new markets, especially in the USA, China and Saudi Arabia. The dispute over this topic has been going on for two years.
"According to unanimous opinion and according to applicable German law, the media and marketing rights for the World Cup events in Germany belong to the DSV and its local organizational partners," clarifies Schwarzbach. It is an integral part of the competition rules that these rights lie with the national associations.
Despite the current argument, the DSV is open to an amicable solution. After the recent negotiations, there were signs of progress at the content level. "We had hoped that the FIS-Council will withdraw the change change at its meeting in Zurich. We cannot really understand why this did not happen," added Schwarzbach. This situation remains exciting and could have a decisive impact on the organization and marketing of future ski races, while the associations are still looking for compromises.