After illegal suit scandal, Norwegian Ski Federation parts ways with three officials

The Norwegian Ski Federation announced on Thursday that it has ended the employment of three ski jumping officials following a suit-tampering scandal. Head coach Magnus Brevig, his assistant Thomas Lobben, and tailor Adrian Livelten have reached agreements with the federation to terminate their contracts after accusations that they altered Norwegian athletes’ jumping suits in violation of FIS rules to improve in-flight performance.

According to the federation, Brevig and Livelten were secretly filmed in early March in a room where suits were being unstitched and manipulated. “We have been clear from the outset that we take this matter seriously,” secretary general Ola Keul said in a statement, adding that after a careful process they agreed to end the employment relationship.

The episode prompted an ongoing investigation by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). In the immediate aftermath, FIS disqualified and provisionally suspended Norwegian jumpers Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang. Three other athletes were also briefly suspended the following day, including Robert Johansson, the 35‑year‑old former Olympic team champion and ex–ski flying world record holder, who announced his retirement this week.

On March 10, the Norwegian federation stated it believed “the equipment was deliberately manipulated in violation of FIS regulations to gain an advantage in competition,” and it suspended Brevig and Livelten. Brevig’s lawyer said he is satisfied that an agreement has been reached regarding his contractual situation, allowing the athletes to focus on preparations for the Olympic season. The FIS investigation remains open.