FIS Lifts Suspension on Norwegian Ski Jumpers After VM Cheating Incident

FIS Lifts Suspension on Norwegian Ski Jumpers After VM Cheating Incident

Originally published in NRK on April 01, 2025

FIS has lifted the suspensions of Norwegian ski jumpers following a cheating scandal that emerged during the recent World Championships. The organization confirmed the decision in a press release, clarifying that the suspensions were initially necessary to maintain competition integrity but are now no longer deemed necessary as the season has concluded.

The Norwegian ski jumpers affected included Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, who faced disqualifications during the competition. Despite the lifting of suspensions for the athletes, three team leaders, including head coach Magnus Brevig, remain under suspension as the inquiry into the incident continues.

"The investigation showed that the status of the athletes does not implicate them directly in the manipulation of equipment," said FIS in their press release.

This incident came to light after a video surfaced showing certain team members manipulating ski jump suits, a breach of competition rules. The organization has acknowledged that while the athletes can now resume their training, the investigations regarding the coaching staff will take time to resolve.

  • The lifting of these suspensions is a relief for these athletes who can now train and prepare adequately for the upcoming Olympic season," said Norwegian ski jump chief Jan-Erik Aalbu. "However, it does not mean they are automatically cleared for future competitions, as the investigations are still ongoing for the coaches involved.

This decision to lift the suspension is seen as a cautious step forward for the Norwegian ski jumping team as they aim to regain their standing ahead of the Olympic competitions.

Background of the Scandal: - On March 7, 2025, a video surfaced showing Norwegian team staff manipulating competition suits, leading to immediate protests from opposing teams. The FIS launched an investigation that resulted in the suspension of the athletes and coaching staff. - Several athletes expressed their distress over the situation, stating they were unaware of any suit violations and trusted their team. "We would never have competed had we known our suits had been tampered with," stated Lindvik and Forfang in a joint press statement. - The situation escalated further with sponsors distancing themselves from the team, emphasizing the need for integrity in the sport.

The FIS plans to conclude its investigative process shortly, ideally before the summer training season commences, to ensure the integrity of competitive skiing remains uncompromised moving forward.

Overall, as athletes and staff await the final outcomes, the focus remains on rebuilding trust and returning to the competition with full integrity.