Disqualifications in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and a new Four Hills scandal — ‘They’re hiding it’

The Four Hills Tournament has been rocked by disqualifications and equipment controversies. After Timi Zajc received a red card and was excluded from the Garmisch‑Partenkirchen competition, additional suspicions have emerged — this time aimed at the Austrian team’s ski bindings.

Norwegian daily Dagbladet launched its own investigation after noticing irregularities. Observers pointed out that when Jan Hörl and Stephan Embacher stood on the podium in the New Year’s event they had removed their bindings, or possibly switched skis before inspection — a sight that raised eyebrows.

Dagbladet reporters highlighted that one veteran’s binding — linked to Manuel Fettner, who plans to retire after this season — appears to be a "homemade" modification rather than an approved FIS catalog binding. According to Norwegian analysis, the construction allows a larger walking space at the outer toe of the boot and a modified rear support that can make skis sit flatter in flight, improving aerodynamics. “In short: skis that are flatter in the air fly better,” the paper wrote.

Equipment controller Mathias Häfele has commented that the binding seen in photos has been in use for about ten years and is the product of development work around Fettner’s boot, which uses a different plastic toe section necessitating binding adjustment. Still, the explanation does not dispel all doubts.

The Norwegian report notes that Fettner’s binding differs from standard FIS jump bindings: rather than a single continuous plate it reportedly has two labels or plates on the inner side. Those details, and the unusual way bindings were handled at the podium, have prompted wide speculation and have reached FIS authorities.

The article places these developments in the broader context of a turbulent Four Hills Tournament, following recent disqualifications that have stirred controversy and criticism — including complaints from the Polish Ski Association that Polish athletes have been unfairly affected by officiating decisions.

At the time of publication the situation remains chaotic, with further investigations and reactions expected as FIS and national federations review the allegations and equipment checks.