Nordic skiing faces selection disputes and broadcasting shifts

The Nordic skiing community is navigating significant administrative and commercial challenges. In Norway, national team members have expressed anger following a decision by Håkon Solvik, president of the cross-country skiing committee, to reset seasonal rankings. This new rule requires athletes to compete at Beitostølen to establish standings for the World Cup opening in Ruka, effectively nullifying previous season advantages and forcing athletes to adjust their peak performance timelines.

In Sweden, controversy has erupted over the broadcasting rights for the 2027 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun. The public broadcaster SVT will not air the event; instead, the rights have been secured by the private subscription service Viaplay. This decision has drawn criticism from organizers and fans, as the move limits the visibility of a major home championship during a period of economic difficulty for the sport.