FIS faces structural deficit of 20 million euros annually

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is facing a significant financial crisis, reporting a structural annual deficit of approximately 20 million euros. While the organization remains solvent and debt-free, its equity plummeted by nearly 50 percent between 2021 and 2025, dropping from 81 million to 43 million Swiss francs during the tenure of former president Johan Eliasch.

FIS President Alexander Ospelt has announced immediate measures to restore financial discipline, including reducing personnel and administrative costs. To address the deficit, Ospelt proposed generating more revenue through annual World Championships; however, the FIS Council has rejected the proposal for a 2028 World Championship. While the idea of additional major events remains on the table for 2032, the immediate focus is on stabilizing the budget to prevent reserves from being exhausted by the 2028/29 season.

Stefan Schwarzbach of the German Ski Association (DSV) described the presented figures as ‘alarming’ and ‘shocking,’ emphasizing the urgent need for a turnaround to ensure long-term sustainability.