The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has stated that full readability of the start bib is a direct obligation of every athlete, and that any violations of the regulations, including those committed by Armenian skier Mikaelyan, are considered strictly within the framework of the existing rules.
This was told exclusively to Idman.Biz by the FIS communications department while commenting on the situation involving Armenian skier Mikael Mikaelyan.
The incident occurred on December 31, 2025, during a Cross-Country Skiing World Cup stage in Italy. Mikaelyan covered the word “Azerbaijan” on his competition outfit with tape while entering the start zone. The event organizers regarded this as a violation of the rules, as the official marking of the start bib had been altered. As a result, the athlete was fined but was allowed to continue competing, with no disqualification imposed.
It should be noted that in May 2025, FIS signed a sponsorship agreement with the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan. Under this partnership, Azerbaijan became one of the official sponsors of FIS, and its name was included in the mandatory sponsor branding on athletes’ start bibs at competitions held under the federation’s auspices, including World Cup stages and World Championships.
Later, the president of the Armenian Ski Federation, Gagik Sargsyan, stated live on social media that the federation welcomed the actions of its athlete and would fully cover the fine on his behalf. Mikaelyan himself, in turn, said that he intends to continue covering the name of our country on his competition outfit.
Following this, Idman.Biz requested an official comment from FIS. In its response, the international federation provided detailed explanations regarding the regulations.
“Ensuring full visibility of the start bib is the responsibility of every participant. Start bibs must be fully readable both from the front and from the back,” the FIS communications department noted.
FIS also disclosed the amount of the fine that the Armenian skier must pay for his conduct at the World Cup stage in Italy.
“On December 31, 2025, Mr. Mikael Mikaelyan was fined 100 Swiss francs for violating the competition regulations.”
FIS additionally outlined its general approach to disciplinary measures, noting that the organization is responsible for upholding the principles of fairness and the consistent application of the rules.
“Sanctions for violations of international competition rules may vary depending on the seriousness of each case. Measures can range from an official warning to financial penalties or, in serious cases, disqualification,” FIS emphasized.
After that, our outlet sent a follow-up question asking what steps FIS intends to take if the athlete continues such behavior. Given the public statements made by the Armenian side and the negligible amount of the fine, such a possibility cannot be ruled out.
In its second response, FIS declined to speculate in advance on specific sanctions, stressing that each case is considered individually.
“It would be irresponsible for FIS to speculate in advance about possible scenarios. We will act strictly within the framework of the rules, applying the regulations diligently and consistently, based on the degree of seriousness and the specific circumstances of each individual case,” FIS said.
Teymur Tushiyev
