Ski Jumping: charges brought against Norwegian officials and athletes

FIS confirmed that three Norwegian Ski Jumping officials and two athletes have been charged with violations of the FIS Universal Code of Ethics and the FIS Rules on the Prevention of Manipulation of Competitions. The charges stem from an investigation by the FIS Independent Ethics and Compliance Office (IECO), initiated shortly after allegations of illegal equipment manipulation during the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Trondheim 2025.

The individuals whose cases are being referred to the FIS Ethics Committee (FEC) are team coach Magnus Brevik, assistant coach Thomas Lobben, service staff member Adrian Livelten, and athletes Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang.

Decisions and process: - IECO and the FIS Integrity Department agreed to bring charges against Brevik, Lobben and Livelten for alleged breaches of both the FIS Universal Code of Ethics and the FIS Rules on the Prevention of Manipulation of Competitions. In line with the FIS IECO Procedural Rules, these matters are referred directly to the FEC. - Under the Procedural Rules, the FIS Council decided on the athletes’ cases and voted to bring charges against Lindvik and Forfang for alleged breaches of the same two rule sets. Their cases are likewise referred to the FEC. - IECO and the FIS Integrity Department decided not to bring charges against any other athletes or Norwegian federation personnel, a position the FIS Council confirmed, closing the matter for all other individuals connected to the investigation.

Next steps: The FEC will review the IECO investigation report to determine whether infringements occurred. A three-member, unconflicted panel will be appointed by the FEC Chair to adjudicate the cases, contact the parties, and set procedures, which may include a hearing and further written submissions. The FEC will announce any decision on sanctions no later than 30 days after the hearing process concludes.

Sanction framework and communications: - The FEC may impose a period of ineligibility, financial sanctions, and/or disqualification of results. Any ineligibility period begins upon publication of the FEC decision; provisional suspensions already served may be credited at the panel’s discretion. - If violations are found, the full decision will be publicly disclosed (after notifying the parties) within 20 days of issuance. If a person is exonerated, publication requires that person’s consent, though the FEC may disclose that the charge was dismissed.

Appeals: Any sanctioned party may appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). FIS may also appeal an FEC decision not to apply a sanction.

Scope of the IECO investigation: IECO examined whether there were violations of the Ethics Code and/or the Competition Manipulation Rules, specifically whether: 1) coaches Magnus Brevik and Thomas Lobben and the suit technician orchestrated equipment manipulation; 2) athletes Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang knowingly contravened relevant FIS rules; 3) the conspiracy extended to other Norwegian team athletes or staff; 4) similar violations had occurred previously; and/or 5) the conspiracy extended to other teams.

Access to the report: The FIS Integrity Director holds the full report, which followed 38 key witness interviews and review of 88 exhibits. The FIS Council received a redacted summary and verbal briefing to inform its charging decisions. Individuals who received Notices of Charge were provided redacted report versions limited to findings about their own involvement, with the FEC copied on the same materials. Other concerned parties have been or will be offered a verbal debrief with IECO and the Lead Investigator.

FIS provided links to the governing documents: the FIS Universal Code of Ethics, the FIS Rules on the Prevention of Manipulation of Competitions, and the Procedural Rules for the IECO and FEC.