Julia Simon suspended for one month after conviction — still eligible for the 2026 Olympics

France’s biathlon star Julia Simon has been handed a disciplinary suspension following her recent criminal conviction for theft and credit card fraud. The French Ski Federation (FFS) announced a six‑month ban from competitions and trainings, of which five months are suspended, meaning Simon will serve one month.

The sanction took effect on 7 November and applies to all events under the FFS and the International Biathlon Union (IBU). As a result, Simon will miss the opening World Cup round in Östersund (from 29 November) but will be eligible to compete again for the subsequent World Cup in Hochfilzen, Austria. The FFS described the ruling by its independent disciplinary commission as “very strict.” Both Simon and the federation have seven days to appeal.

The disciplinary action follows a court ruling in Albertville roughly two weeks earlier, where Simon received a three‑month suspended prison sentence and a €15,000 fine for purchases made online using stolen credit card details belonging to teammate Justine Braisaz‑Bouchet and a team physiotherapist in December 2021 and August–September 2022. After long denying the accusations and claiming she was a victim of identity theft, Simon ultimately admitted to theft and fraud in court.

In addition to the federation ban, Simon was fined €30,000 by the FFS, with €15,000 suspended. Crucially, the current sanction does not jeopardize her participation in the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, for which she remains eligible.