The future of elite snowsports hangs in the balance as FIS elects new president amidst deep divisions.
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The future of elite snowsports hangs in the balance as FIS elects new president amidst deep divisions. Belgrade, Serbia - June 8th, 2026 - The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the global governing body for elite... Belgrade, Serbia - June 8th, 2026 - The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the global governing body for elite snowsports, stands at a critical juncture today as delegates from 80 member nations convene in Belgrade, Serbia, for a presidential election that threatens to irrevocably split the organization. The outcome of this contest, scheduled for Thursday, will determine not only the leadership of FIS but potentially its very structure and future viability, with some observers warning of an unprecedented breakup. The incumbent president, Johan Eliasch, a Swedish-British billionaire and CEO of ski manufacturer Head, is seeking a third term in office. However, his tenure has been marked by significant controversy and growing dissent, particularly from the traditionally powerful ski nations. The opposition to Eliasch's leadership is so pronounced that he has reportedly had to assume Georgian citizenship to secure the backing of a national ski federation, a move unprecedented in the organization's history, to remain eligible for the election. Deepening Divisions and Accusations At the heart of the current turmoil are grave...
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Underscoring the gravity of these financial concerns, Urs Lehmann, the former CEO of FIS, resigned from his position last week, citing his apprehension regarding the organization's financial health.
