FIS President Johan Eliasch in an interview

Since his election in June 2021, Johan Eliasch has not given anyone an interview worthy of the title. It almost seems like a charm offensive that the Swedish-British billionaire took the time for a few short one-to-one talks in Sölden on Friday. A quarter of an hour is little time to discuss the current challenges. But let’s just get started.

Mr. Eliasch, which crisis are you more worried about right now: climate or energy crisis?

The impending energy shortage and price increases are issues that are currently preoccupying us. The energy supply has to be reorganized. This will work out over time. Maybe at higher prices, which is not so good for the global economy. But the climate crisis is the much bigger problem. There is no alternative. The idea that we could inhabit Mars if we destroy our planet is too far-fetched. There would probably be better options outside of our solar system.

Since your election you have done a lot to reform the FIS. A major issue is the central marketing of the commercial rights to the World Cup events. You have failed in your attempt to implement this this season because the big ski nations are resisting. What is the new time frame?

I don’t think we will fail in this goal. I ran with an election program in which I presented my ideas. That’s why I was elected. I don’t think there is disagreement among the member associations as to whether this is the right way to go. But only about the when and how. We are in the consultation process to ensure we adjust the path to the goal to suit all member associations. We’re making good progress.

In principle, the small national associations are satisfied with their work and the large ones are dissatisfied. They were confirmed in office in May with a poor result. How do you get everyone back in the same boat?

I have always said that I would be a President for all nations and all FIS sports. Not just one for a few Central European alpine nations. And I want to emphasize that this year I got more votes than the year before.

In 2021 there were two opposing candidates and one opposing candidate. In 2022 you were the only candidate.

Yes. But with or without an opponent, I still got more votes than in 2021. It’s clear that not everyone is happy. But if we want to make our sport visible in markets where it is not yet visible, then we need these changes.

You have owned the sporting goods group Head since 1995. Is it easier to implement changes in a company than in a sports association?

It is the same in all organizations. I also worked for a government (under then British Prime Minister Gordon Brown) on the environment. I led fifty scientists with fifty different opinions. It would always be easier if everyone was on your side. But that’s just not how it works.

Some federations, led by Switzerland and Austria, are challenging their re-election before the International Court of Arbitration for Sport. In addition, the FIS ethics committee is running a case against your opponents. A bit much strife in the so-called FIS family. . .

The investigation by the ethics committee follows complaints from other member associations. I will not comment further on the ongoing proceedings, nor that before the sports arbitration court. It is what it is – very unfortunate.

There are rumors that skiing could soon be organized into international brand teams like cycling instead of national teams. How do you feel about this?

I don’t have that on my agenda. We are set up differently, the national associations are enormously important for the grassroots work, the promotion of young talent, et cetera. In car racing for example it’s very different, there’s no breadth and people joke that anyone can become a Formula 1 driver if they pay enough. We don’t want to end like this or anything like that.

The Asian Winter Games 2029 were recently awarded to Saudi Arabia. Do you think this is a good or a bad way?

I always say that we should be open to new venues. If Saudi Arabia manages to do this in a climate-neutral manner, as announced – why not? I can only welcome new countries investing in our sport. We should see it positively when ski areas are created in new countries.

How should things continue in China after the Olympic Games last February?

I hope we will race there again once the Covid situation has improved. Otherwise we would waste an opportunity. This country wants to get 350 million people out in the snow, so we need to build on the games.