A major controversy has rocked the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, after several Norwegian ski jumpers and team officials were disqualified or suspended for violating equipment regulations. The scandal involves two high-profile athletes and members of their support staff, who were found to have illegally modified their ski suits to gain a competitive advantage.
Athletes Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang were disqualified after officials discovered that their ski suits contained reinforced seams designed to reduce wind resistance and create more lift. Lindvik had initially placed second in the men’s large hill event before his disqualification, as reported by Fox Sports.
In addition to the athletes, Norwegian Ski Federation coach Magnus Brevik and equipment manager Adrian Livelten were both suspended for their involvement in the violations. The Federation charged the four with deliberately modifying the suits in an effort to manipulate aerodynamic performance.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) launched an investigation through its Ethics and Compliance Office to examine the circumstances surrounding the illegal modifications. The competitors were disqualified following a thorough inspection that determined their suits did not comply with official equipment regulations.
The scandal emerged after officials were tipped off by an online video that allegedly showed the alterations being made. Jan-Erik Aalbu, General Manager of the Norwegian Ski Federation, acknowledged the wrongdoing, stating, “This was done knowing that this is not within the regulations, but with a belief that it would not be discovered by FIS’ equipment controller. The way I consider this, we have cheated. We have tried to cheat the system. That is unacceptable.”
Brevik admitted he was aware of the modifications, saying, “I should have stopped it.” However, both Lindvik, 26, and Forfang, 29, denied having any knowledge of the illegal alterations.
Forfang issued a statement on social media emphasizing that he had trusted the team staff and was unaware of any wrongdoing. “I have always had great trust in the staff, who have worked tirelessly to develop competitive equipment. But this time, a clear line was crossed,” he said. He also noted that he had only used the modified suit on the day of the competition and had not examined the finer details of the alterations.
Lindvik, an Olympic gold medalist, echoed Forfang’s sentiments, expressing shock and disappointment over the situation. “I did not know that my suit was being manipulated, and I would never have used it if I knew,” he said. “It’s hard for me to put words to what I feel right now.”
The FIS investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the full extent of the violations and whether further penalties will be imposed on the Norwegian team. The scandal has cast a shadow over the championship, raising concerns about integrity and fair play in the sport.
