Credit card scandal – Julia Simon returns to the World Cup after suspension

French biathlete Julia Simon, who was convicted of fraud in a high‑profile credit card case, will return to the IBU World Cup following a federation suspension. The French Ski Federation has selected the 10‑time world champion for the races in Hochfilzen, Austria. Beginning on Friday in Tyrol with the sprint, these will be her first World Cup starts of the Olympic winter.

Simon, the overall World Cup winner in 2022/23, admitted to using stolen credit card details belonging to her teammate Justine Braisaz‑Bouchet and a team physiotherapist to make online purchases worth around €2,500. On October 24 she received a three‑month suspended prison sentence and a €15,000 fine.

The French federation (FFS) additionally handed Simon a six‑month ban from competition and training, with five months suspended. The ban took effect on November 7, meaning she missed only the Östersund season opener. The federation described the measures as “very strict”; half of a €30,000 federation fine was also suspended.

Reports ahead of the Olympic season described a tense atmosphere within the French women’s team, raising doubts about Simon’s reintegration. Nonetheless, the federation also recognizes Simon’s sporting value as a fast skier and top shooter, hoping for multiple medals at the Winter Games.

Earlier this year in Switzerland, Simon won four gold medals at the World Championships, making her the most successful athlete of those championships. After mixed relay silver at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, she now targets her first Olympic gold.