Alexander Ospelt Edges Out Eliasch for FIS Presidency in a Tense Vote

In a tightly contested vote, Alexander Ospelt from Liechtenstein defeated Johan Eliasch to become the president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). Eliasch, representing Georgia, lost by a single vote, leading to his exit from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Liechtenstein's Alexander Ospelt clinched the presidency of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) by a margin of just one vote, overcoming incumbent Johan Eliasch.

Eliasch, a British-Swedish entrepreneur, represented Georgia in his reelection bid and secured 64 votes against Ospelt's 65 at the FIS congress in Belgrade. Some major ski nations questioned Eliasch's leadership, particularly regarding FIS' spending and his push to centralize sport's commercial rights.

As a consequence of his defeat, Eliasch will lose his membership in the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In his concession speech, he implied the IOC had sought to influence the vote, a claim the IOC has not commented on, while acknowledging the election results and thanking Eliasch for his contributions.