After Years of Discussion: Kristoffersen Wins Against Federation

After years of dispute with the Norwegian Ski Federation, Henrik Kristoffersen can celebrate a victory.

Since 2016, Kristoffersen had been advocating for Norwegian skiers to be allowed to wear individual helmet sponsors. Previously, all skiers had to wear the logo of the Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor - sponsor of the NSF.

Kristoffersen had already filed a lawsuit ten years ago, arguing that he was missing out on significant sponsorship income because he was not allowed to display his private sponsor Red Bull on the prominent helmet spot. The lawsuit was unsuccessful, and Kristoffersen lost the case in 2019.

"I never wavered"

Many other federations allow athletes to grant their marketing rights individually. Kristoffersen was accordingly pleased with the federation's concession. "I've been fighting for this for over twelve years and never wavered in my opinion," Kristoffersen told Ski Racing Media on the sidelines of the Norwegian season-opening event.

Norway's Alpine Director Claus Ryste spoke of a win-win situation created together with main sponsor Telenor. "Within the team, everyone, regardless of whether Red Bull signs them or not, has the opportunity to sell their helmet to other sponsors."

According to Ski Racing Media, Kristoffersen – as well as Timon Haugan – has already signed corresponding contracts with Red Bull. Atle Lie McGrath also expressed satisfaction: "Now we are on the same level as everyone else," said the 26-year-old.