The Austrian Ski Association noted the announcement from the International Ski and Snowboard Association (FIS) with interest and a certain surprise. It states that, based on a feasibility study that was not available to the ÖSV, the FIS board agreed on a concept to increase the frequency of the FIS World Championships in the future.
The Austrian Ski Association emphasizes the essential difference between the fundamental examination of a concept and a final FIS board decision on a new World Cup cycle. In view of the resulting public discussion and the scope of such a change, the ÖSV believes it is important to distinguish clearly and transparently in FIS communication between a conceptual agreement (including further necessary assessments and consultations) and final decisions - in particular those that also affect the application of the applicable FIS World Championship regulations. The FIS should provide clarity here.
Subject to a formal FIS decision or a decision to pursue this concept, the Austrian Ski Association would like to comment on the plans to hold world championships almost annually in the future as follows:
• On August 26th, after intensive discussion, the ÖSV Presidential Conference unanimously voted against world championships in any non-Olympic year.
• This position was personally communicated to the FIS President before the Council Meeting in Thun.
• The ÖSV had previously signaled its willingness to examine a possible Alpine Ski World Championships in 2032 in St. Anton am Arlberg.
• In the course of the intensive discussion about the fundamental effects of an almost annual World Cup cycle, the ÖSV came to the conclusion that such a model does not make sense from a sporting and strategic perspective.
• Consequently, it was unanimously decided not to pursue considerations regarding a possible World Cup candidacy for St. Anton in 2032. The candidacy for 2033, however, has already been confirmed.
• For the ÖSV, this is a fundamental sports policy decision and not a decision against hosting world championships in Austria. A World Cup must remain something special.
• From the ÖSV's point of view, an almost annual event carries the great risk of inflation and thus a gradual devaluation of the sporting significance of a World Cup and a World Cup title.
• At the same time we see possible effects on the FIS World Cup. The World Cup is the central annual competition series of our sport and must remain in a correspondingly strong position.
• If there are either Olympic Games or World Championships in almost every season, there is a risk that the importance of individual World Cup seasons and World Cup events will be weakened.
• Furthermore, an additional World Cup cycle would create further fixed points in an already very demanding international calendar.
• For the long-term development of our sport, the FIS and the national associations also need flexibility in the World Cup calendar - especially in order to develop new venues, open up new regions and markets and enable innovative formats.
• The ÖSV would therefore like to learn in detail about the studies and analyzes addressed by the FIS on the added value of additional world championships.
• It is crucial for the ÖSV not only to consider possible additional revenues or media effects, but also the overall impact on sport: on athletes, world championships, world cups, organizers, calendars, existing venues and the long-term development of new markets.