Winter Sports: Karin Mattsson on Leaving a Divided Skiing Federation: "A Very Bad Situation"

Winter Sports

Karin Mattsson on Leaving a Divided Skiing Federation: "A Very Bad Situation"

After six years as chairperson, Karin Mattsson is leaving a divided Swedish Ski Federation. As the annual meeting approaches, two factions have formed, leading to a contest for the chairperson position.

• "It is a very bad situation we are in," says Karin Mattsson.

With just two days left until Sunday’s annual meeting, SVT Sport meets Karin Mattsson in Östersund.

This summer, Mattsson announced she wished to step down from her role as chairperson, citing her inability to prioritize this position alongside her other commitments.

At Sunday’s meeting, a new chairperson will be elected, with Jonas Bauer and Anders Furbeck as candidates. Furbeck has recently nominated himself in challenge to Bauer due to differing views on the future of the federation.

• "I have no objections regarding the selection of individuals, either for chairperson or board members, other than wishing for a decision that is well-founded and supported by Ski Sweden," says Karin Mattsson. She continues explaining the importance of support for anyone stepping into the role.

Conflicts Leading to Division

This year's board activities have been marred by conflicts, which SVT Sport has previously reported about. This has led to police reports and other issues, creating distinct factions within Ski Sweden.

• "This has indeed been a very difficult year, and it is an unfortunate situation. It has affected many of us this year," she shares, reflecting on her own role in the conflict.

She acknowledges that the internal disputes have damaged the brand of the Swedish Ski Federation and affected the focus of their board activities, spending excessive time on matters that perhaps should not have taken precedence. Despite acknowledging the split within the skiing movement, she wishes to remain positive about the future.