World Ski Chief Loses by a Single Vote – Then Accuses the IOC of Fixing the Result

Johan Eliasch, the billionaire owner of Head and president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, lost his bid for re-election by a single vote on Thursday. Alexander Ospelt, a lawyer from Liechtenstein, won 65-64 and will lead FIS for the next four years.

Eliasch also loses his membership in the International Olympic Committee – one of the most exclusive clubs in world sports. In his concession speech, he aimed an allegation at the Olympic body and urged FIS to protect its independence before congratulating his opponent.

"The IOC tried to influence the outcome of today's vote," Eliasch said. "Against this we must stay firm."

The FIS congress in Belgrade began with signs of trouble for the incumbent. The agenda was changed on an 88% vote to bring the presidential election forward as the first item of business. The weighted voting system used by FIS gives two or three votes to established ski nations instead of the one-member-one-vote system used by federations like FIFA. Then there was a 60% vote to use paper ballots instead of electronic voting – a move that seemed to reflect mistrust in the FIS administration.

Eliasch, 64, served as FIS president for five years marked by constant sparring with ski nations including Austria and Switzerland over his management style and spending of the ski body's cash reserves. A dual citizen of Sweden and Britain, Eliasch was not supported by either of those national federations to stand for re-election. He complied with FIS rules by getting a passport and nomination from Georgia.

The campaign against Eliasch was backed by top skiers including American star Mikaela Shiffrin and was led by the sport's heartland nations in Europe and North America.

Ospelt, who has been a member of the Eliasch-chaired FIS council, said he would start his new job with "great joy and humility." "I will be the president for all of you. Let's be united," he said.

Ospelt does not immediately become an IOC member, though he would likely be invited to join as head of the sports body that oversees about half of the medal events at each Winter Olympics.

Eliasch also stood in the IOC presidential election won by Kirsty Coventry 15 months ago. In his final remarks, he told the congress that the election was win-win: he could "get my life back" if he lost. "Either way I am very happy."

For now, FIS has a new president, elected by a single vote. The outgoing president is alleging outside interference. And the IOC, which Eliasch accused of meddling, has not commented. In world skiing, the drama is far from over. The votes are counted. The winner is clear. But the questions about who influenced whom will linger long after the congress adjourns.

Written by Thorben Thiede thorben.thiede@alpineweekly.com