In the manipulation scandal involving Norway’s ski jumpers, three officials were sentenced to bans of 18 months each. As the ethics committee of the World Ski Federation FIS announced, Norway’s head coach Magnus Brevik, assistant coach Thomas Lobben and serviceman Adrian Livelten were given these penalties.
The bans have officially been in effect since January 8th, but the periods of provisional suspension served since March 12th, 2025 will be deducted from this. In addition, fines of 5,000 Swiss francs (around 5,400 euros) were imposed for each case.
“We find the response disproportionately harsh compared to previous practice in similar cases and have difficulty understanding why we are treated differently than others in similar situations,” the trio said in a statement to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
Lengthy procedure completed
The lawyers expressed themselves in more detail. “It is expressly clear from the reasons for the judgment that comparable violations of the rules have not previously been sanctioned – or only with a warning – and that this case serves as an example to mark a new and stricter line in international ski jumping,” it said in a statement: “In our opinion, this raises fundamental questions about equal treatment, predictability and proportionality.” It is considering “appealing the case to CAS”.
The trio was found guilty of playing a key role in tampering with the jumpsuits of Johann Andre Forfang and Marius Lindvik at the World Championships in late February and early March last year. All three will remain closed until autumn of this year.
The FEC ethics committee had previously sentenced the top Norwegian athletes Lindvik and Forfang to a three-month ban. These bans have already been served and the procedure is now considered completed.
The last World Cup in Trondheim was overshadowed by the scandal surrounding manipulated suits. Videos filmed and published anonymously showed the Norwegian team editing competition suits in an unauthorized manner. An unauthorized seam was added to provide more stability when flying in the air.
