"Man muss ganz klar sagen, da sind in der Vergangenheit falsche Entscheidungen getroffen worden."
According to Überall, who succeeded Christian Scherer at the ÖSV, the ÖSV "vehemently pointed out in writing to FIS under President Eliasch since 2024 that these accounts could not balance." However, their warnings went unheeded.
"Now it has truly been presented in black and white," says Überall. "Expenditures did not match revenues. If this were to continue, it would only be a matter of time until there's no money left."
How did it come to this?
"It must be clearly stated that wrong decisions were made in the past," explains Überall.
The previous FIS leadership under Eliasch underestimated certain decisions. Furthermore, "promises were made for signatures that are now very difficult to keep."
"Now there is a structure that needs to be paid for. This has led to the financial situation as it is now."
Among other things, the former president's flagship project, centralized marketing, did not start as desired. This applies to most nations starting next season, and for the ÖSV from the winter of 2027/28.
Eliasch was convinced that everyone would receive double the money through the centralization of rights.
"That is not the case," says Überall. "It generates less than desired. Of course, it will mean a small increase. But other issues also need to be considered. The FIS has also undertaken certain obligations, such as production obligations in certain countries, which again cost a lot of money. It is a very delicate and difficult topic."
What impact does the situation have on the ÖSV?
The ÖSV only conceded to centralized marketing after long hesitation and tough negotiations with the FIS, securing certain contractual rights and guaranteeing a specific number of races.
Nevertheless, according to Überall, the domestic ski federation will see only a "small increase" financially. And that, of course, only "if the FIS doesn't go bankrupt, which I hope and assume, because otherwise, we all have a huge problem."
What happens next?
However, Überall does not want to assume a "worst-case" scenario. Especially because there is a good basis for discussion with the new FIS leadership under Alexander Ospelt.
"They are taking the issue very seriously, acting transparently, and trying to achieve a turnaround. We all have to cooperate. I have a good feeling that we can achieve this together," says the ÖSV Secretary General.
How money will be channeled into the FIS coffers in the future is not yet entirely clear. One idea was the introduction of an annual World Championship, but this has been postponed at least until 2032.
"Visions have now been presented," says Überall. "Nothing tangible is yet in sight."
