Scandal at the Nordic World Ski Championships: FIS under pressure over suit checks!

The suit scandal in ski jumping continues to make waves. The FIS has launched a comprehensive investigation to take a closer look at the irregularities that occurred during the Nordic World Ski Championships. At the center of the controversy is Christian Kathol, who is not exactly without controversy in his role as the FIS's highest materials controller. Adam Malysz, President of the Polish Ski Association, expressed sharp criticism of the composition of the investigative commission, which also includes people who are said to have been involved in the controversial incidents laola1.at reported.

Malysz emphasizes that the commission should be independent. He makes serious allegations against Kathol, who, in his opinion, failed to adequately inspect the Norwegian athletes' suits. “We have been reporting irregularities for a long time, but the controls were simply inaccurate,” criticized Malysz. In addition, Kathol argues that it lacks the necessary time and staff to conduct in-depth audits, which Malysz considers insufficient to shed sufficient light on the fraud. Particularly noticeable were suits that were unnaturally stretched at the boots, suggesting manipulation.

Disqualifications at the World Cup

The excitement surrounding Kathol is heightened by the disqualifications of four athletes from the opening round of the World Championships. His strict approach to material regulations ensured that prominent jumpers such as Halvor Egner Granerud were disqualified. Kathol explains that the athletes' suits, which did not meet specifications, could affect air resistance and lead to an unfair advantage. His approach is nevertheless clear: “We are talking about millimeters here”. Despite the emotional reactions that such a step brings with it, he sticks to his assessment that such controls are essential and sees his role as being obliged to the FIS, not to the Austrian Ski Association, as he does kleinezeitung.at determines.