Ski stars are calling for more transparency according to CVC offer for FIS rights

Ski stars are calling for more transparency according to CVC offer for FIS rights

Kitzbühel, Österreich - The ski world is head! On the occasion of a rejected offer by the Luxembourg private equity company CVC of 400 million euros for 20 percent of commercial rights at the Ski World Association FIS, 71 athletes from 17 countries have spoken out. In an open letter, the stars, including Mikaela Shiffrin and Marco Odermatt, criticize that the President of the FIS, Johan Eliasch, does not adequately incorporate the athletes into important decisions. "The FIS brought the athletes into a frustrating location," emphasizes in the letter, which was also sent to members of the FIS-Council. Eliasch defended himself against the allegations and described the criticism as "wrong", as on krone.at is reported.

rejected offer ensures excitement

The CVC offer not only included the takeover of the rights, but also a partnership for the joint marketing of various winter sports. However, the FIS rejected the offer, on the grounds that they are already working with the Infront agency in order to market media rights centrally. "We don't need money," says the FIS, which considers itself "well capitalized". This met with resentment among the athletes who would like to take better consideration of their votes. The letter to the FIS therefore calls for a review of the infront deal and more say in the future development of sport, as well as reported.

According to the athletes, the prize money in the World Cup stagnates, which further increases the frustration among the athletes. Only a few events, such as the World Cup in Kitzbühel and Flachau, pay about the minimal requirements of the FIS. A good place brings just around 1,700 euros for the athletes, which also tightens the situation. The current disagreement leads to great resentment among the top athletes who want more transparency and fair treatment in this phase that is decisive for them.