The FIS Council held an online meeting today to discuss select agenda items before its traditional Spring meeting in conjunction with the FIS Congress at the start of June.
The main decisions of the online Council meeting are as follows:
FIS International Ski Congress 2021
After reviewing all of the latest data and information in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, the FIS Council agreed to hold the 52nd International Ski Congress online to ensure the safety and health of all FIS stakeholders.
Since the Congress has already been postponed by one year, the FIS Council agreed that the General Assembly day would be held online on 4th June with an abbreviated agenda. Included on the agenda will be the election of the FIS President and FIS Council for the term lasting until the election at the 2022 Congress. The deadline for submission of applications for FIS President and FIS Council is 30 day prior to the elections.
The FIS Committee Meetings, which are traditionally held in the days leading up to the FIS Congress will also be held online.
FIS Freestyle Ski, Snowboard and Freeski World Championship 2025
The FIS Council unanimously appointed the region of Engadine (SUI) as the host of the FIS Freestyle Ski, Snowboard and Freeski World Championships 2025. Engadine submitted its application after Krasnoyarsk (RUS) was deemed ineligible to host the 2025 edition as a result of the WADA-RUSADA decision earlier this year, which does not allow Russia to host any major World Championships through 2025.
FIS Ski Flying World Championship 2024
The FIS Council unanimously appointed Bad Mitterndorf (AUT) as the host of the FIS Ski Flying World Championships 2024. Kulm submitted its application after Harrachov (CZE) could not host the 2024 edition due to technical problems with the facility.
Future of FIS Working Group
A Working Group of select Council members presented proposals for regarding several operation and governance aspects in regards to the upcoming Online Congress, including;
- Limiting the agenda items on the Congress Agenda until the 2022 edition including any changes to the FIS Statutes.
- Defining the Presidential and Council online election process
- Further defining the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interests that all Council and Presidential candidates must follow, and implementing an eligibility investigation for all Council and Presidential candidates.
Fluorinated Wax Ban Working Group Update
The Council received an update on the progress of implementing the fluorinated wax ban from the working group. After conducting nearly 6,500 tests in the last three months, the field tracking device will be calibrated and then verified by an independent lab survey. This process is expected to be completed in time for the next Council meeting. At that time, the Council will decide on the timeline for full implementation of the fluorinated wax ban.
Slovakia Membership
FIS was informed by the Ministry of Sports of Slovakia that the current Member is no longer the recognised National Federation for snow sports in Slovakia. FIS has also received a request for Membership from a new organisation in Slovakia. As long as the dispute is ongoing, the National Olympic Committee is serving as the responsible party. The FIS Council decided to keep the National Olympic Committee as the responsible party until FIS receives a binding decision from the Slovak authorities which defines the sole competent National Federation for Skiing and Snowboarding.