After suit scandal at Worlds: Norwegian ski jumpers Lindvik and Forfang handed three‑month bans

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), together with its Ethics Commission (FEC), has imposed three‑month bans on Norwegian ski jumpers Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang in connection with the World Championships suit‑manipulation scandal.

Both athletes have accepted the sanctions. According to the decision, time already served under earlier provisional suspensions—about three weeks following the World Championships—may be credited toward the three months. There was no mention of retroactive disqualifications from the Championships, meaning Andreas Wellinger, runner‑up on the normal hill behind Lindvik, is not slated to be upgraded to gold.

The Championships in late February and early March were overshadowed by anonymously filmed videos that appeared to show members of the Norwegian team altering competition suits in a prohibited manner. The modifications reportedly included an illegal seam designed to improve stability and lift in flight. During the event, three staff members and five athletes were provisionally suspended.

Following a five‑month investigation by an independent ethics office—including 38 witness interviews and the review of 88 pieces of evidence—the focus among athletes ultimately narrowed to Lindvik, who won the normal hill world title, and team Olympic champion Forfang. Investigators did not conclude that either athlete knowingly participated in the manipulations; however, both agreed they should have checked the late‑night adjustments and asked questions about them.

Sanctions for team officials have not yet been finalized. Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 reported that head coach Magnus Brevig and two assistants could face 18‑month bans. Lindvik won normal hill gold ahead of Wellinger at the Worlds, and both Lindvik and Forfang also took medals in the team and mixed events.