Wearing a luxury watch becomes Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's "downfall". © APA/afp / TOBIAS SCHWARZ

“Rude and arrogant”: Klæbo fined for luxury watch

The Norwegian national cross-country skiing team has recently implemented internal rules of conduct, compliance with which is monitored by an unusual system of penalties. Superstar Johannes Høsflot Klæbo was also affected by this.

31 May 2026

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Around 30 different offenses can have financial consequences – from lateness and inappropriate clothing to using a mobile phone during meals.

One of the most well-known cases is that of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. The team's superstar had to pay a fine after visibly wearing a watch from his sponsor at a press conference. Such behavior is apparently viewed critically within the team, and the eleven-time Olympic champion is accused, among other things, of displaying a touch of arrogance.

Gestures against the spirit of cross-country skiing

“If we publish something in the media that we consider borderline, we have to expect a fine. The same applies if someone behaves rudely or too arrogantly,” Harald Østberg explained to Amundsen. NRK“For example, flaunting expensive watches doesn’t really reflect the spirit of cross-country skiing. In this case, a small fine was therefore to be expected. There’s no need to name names.”

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and his colleagues have to justify their public appearances. © ANSA / FILIP SINGER

Several athletes themselves oversee the issuing of penalties. Mattis Stenshagen and Lars Heggen handle the financial administration, while other team members are responsible for recording and evaluating potential violations. The highest known penalty to date was given to Emil Iversen. The former world champion arrived late to a marketing event and was fined for it.

“Emil probably received a 2500 kroner [approx. 230 euros, ed.] fine for being slightly late to a marketing appointment,” Stenshagen revealed. “Emil explained that there had been complications with the house purchase and similar issues. Therefore, we gave him some leeway and reduced the amount. We will take that into account.”