Johan Eliasch will seek re-election as president of the World Winter Sports Federation. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

Suddenly a Georgian: This is how the FIS boss wants to stay in office

In the power struggle at the International Ski Federation (FIS), President Johan Eliasch is making no secret of his tactical maneuver. On Thursday, he intends to seek re-election – as a Georgian.

June 09, 2026

From: dpa/fop

The Swedish-British official will not stand for re-election at the FIS Congress in Belgrade this Thursday for either Sweden or Great Britain – but for Georgia, after his home federations did not nominate him.

When asked what connects him to the South Caucasus nation, Eliash told the German Press Agency: “I’ve been there. It’s a country I really like. The country loves sports and has magnificent mountains.” For Eliash, Georgia is a “statement about what we need to achieve.” The federations of major winter sports nations have long since abandoned the president on this path.

Eliash on Georgia: "I've already been there"

But it's not just powerful nations that are taking aim at the 64-year-old FIS boss, but also athletes. "Many of us athletes feel that the FIS and the current leadership have shown a significant lack of transparency," US ski star Mikaela Shiffrin told the Swiss newspaper. ViewOther prominent figures expressed similar views about Elijah.

Johan Eliash and Mikaela Shiffrin are no longer on good terms. © APA/afp / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU

But who could succeed him? Ironically, Victoria Gosling, who was nominated by the British federation in place of Eliasch, has a good chance. Also Alexander Ospelt Liechtenstein can have hopes.

Two opposing candidates

Incumbent Eliasch wants to retain his presidency with the help of the smaller associations. "Not everyone is happy. Ten out of 80 associations have already said they absolutely want a change. They want to take control. But there are 70 more," said Eliasch, who launched a media and interview offensive immediately before the election.

While associations and stars cite transparency and lost trust as points of criticism, Eliasch names new projects as goals for the next term of office.

"Then I'll get my life back." Johan Eliasch on a possible recall

“One goal is the FIS Games, where we would combine all the World Championships. That wouldn’t be far removed from the Winter Olympics. It would be a huge opportunity,” said the president. These would be held every four years, for example, starting in 2032. He also wants to make skiing more entertaining and improve its television presence to better reflect the future.

Eliasch isn't too worried about election day. What happens if he's voted out as FIS president? "Then I'll get my life back. I have absolutely nothing to lose. Because being FIS president is a 24/7 job," the official said. Many stars and federations would prefer that someone else take on this 24/7 role in the future.