Iivo Niskanen Was Harshly Disqualified – Head Coach Explains the Controversial Decision

Iivo Niskanen suffered a harsh fate in the World Cup sprint event. During the qualification round, Niskanen received a yellow card because, according to the officials, he used the skating technique in a race that required the traditional classic style. Since he already had a warning, this led to his disqualification as per the rules that mandate two warnings for a disqualification.

The Finnish head coach, Teemu Pasanen, told Yle Urheilu that Finland officially protested the decision; however, the protest was rejected and the French second team was advanced to the final. Pasanen further explained that the situation was complicated: video evidence from two camera angles was reviewed, and one of Niskanen’s skis did not immediately get onto the track, arriving about 40 centimeters later. Although his corrective step helped him eventually find balance, the infraction was deemed serious under the rules.

When asked whether the Niskanen–Vuorinen pairing still holds strong for the Finnish top team in the World Championships sprint event, Pasanen mentioned that conditions differ and nothing is set in stone yet. With several weeks remaining before the championships, the final team selection will be based on who is in the best form under the expected conditions.