FIS President Johan Eliasch is running for re-election as a candidate from Georgia, a move that has ignited controversy across the international skiing community. The British-Swedish entrepreneur announced his candidacy under the Georgian flag after failing to secure nominations from his traditional supporters in Britain and Sweden.
Eliasch, who has led the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) since 2021, is seeking a third term in office. His decision to switch national allegiance comes after both the British and Swedish ski associations declined to nominate him for the upcoming election, citing growing dissatisfaction with his leadership.
The FIS statutes require presidential candidates to be nominated by a member national association and to hold a valid passport from that country. Eliasch’s shift to Georgia has raised questions about the legitimacy of his candidacy, particularly regarding whether he possessed a Georgian passport by the April 12 nomination deadline — 60 days before the June 11 election.
Critics within the skiing world have accused Eliasch of exploiting a loophole to cling to power. National ski associations from several countries have expressed frustration, stating they have “had enough” of what they describe as his increasingly controversial tactics to remain in office.
The Georgian ski federation initially remained silent on the details of Eliasch’s nationality change, fueling speculation. Earlier reports had suggested he might pursue an Armenian passport instead, but he ultimately registered as a Georgian candidate.
Eliasch’s leadership has been contentious since his first election in 2021, succeeding longtime president Gian-Franco Kasper. His re-election bid in 2022 was also controversial, as voters were only allowed to support him or abstain — a “no” vote was not an option. The German Ski Federation (DSV) denounced that process as a “farce.”
This year’s race includes other notable candidates: Alexander Ospelt of Liechtenstein, Anna Harboe Falkenberg of Denmark, Dexter Paine of the United States, and Victoria Gosling of Britain. The FIS plans to release a final list of eligible candidates on May 20 following review by an independent panel. The election will be held on June 11 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Eliasch has framed his campaign around the success of the past season, describing it as “exceptional” and highlighting increased fan engagement through television and social media. He has called for unity to write the “next great chapter” of snow sports.
Though, the controversy surrounding his change of nationality threatens to overshadow his message. Many in the skiing community view the move as a symbolic rejection of accountability and a sign that Eliasch is willing to bend rules to maintain control.
The situation underscores broader tensions within global winter sports governance, where questions about transparency, term limits, and democratic processes have grown louder in recent years. As the June election approaches, the FIS faces a pivotal moment that could either reaffirm Eliasch’s leadership or usher in a new era for the organization.
The outcome of the vote will have significant implications for the future direction of competitive skiing and snowboarding worldwide. Fans, athletes, and national federations alike will be watching closely to notice whether Eliasch’s controversial bid for a third term succeeds — or finally fails.
Stay tuned to Archysport for updates as the FIS presidential election develops.
