She’s fighting not only for her name and reputation: the biathlon star accused of fraud faces enormous consequences if convicted in the trial starting this Friday.

Julia Simon and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet usually meet in training, on the start line, or in the relay exchange zone. But this Friday, the two French teammates will meet in a completely different setting — in court.

On October 24, almost exactly four months before the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, the ten-time world champion must appear before the criminal court in Albertville.

Simon is charged with fraud and theft after Braisaz-Bouchet reported her to the police, accusing her of using her credit card for over 2,000 euros. The 28-year-old allegedly also used a credit card belonging to a member of the French team’s support staff for a smaller amount.

Both incidents reportedly took place during a national team camp in Sandnes, Norway, held in connection with the Blink Festival in 2022.

In October 2023, Simon was arrested, questioned, and later released by French police. An extensive investigation followed, focusing on digital traces and data traffic. That investigation has now concluded, and the findings will be presented as evidence in the trial starting Friday, October 24.

Simon has consistently denied all charges against her.

Also Read: Dramatic new twist in fraud scandal

Huge consequences

If the ten-time world champion is found guilty, the consequences could extend far beyond any formal punishment.

A conviction would likely result in the loss of all sponsorship contracts, including both personal and team-related ones, as well as major partnerships with companies such as Somfy, Julbo, Volvo, and Salomon.

It could also affect her professional career. Simon is employed by the French customs service on a permanent contract, but a conviction could trigger a disciplinary hearing that might result in her dismissal.

Could miss the Olympics

The disciplinary committee of the French Ski Federation (FFS) first reviewed the case in June 2023, concluding that only the formal investigation could determine guilt. They decided to wait for the legal outcome before applying any potential sanctions.

According to FFS regulations, up to 15 possible sanctions could apply in Simon’s case — ranging from a warning to a full suspension, or in the worst case, removal from the national team. That could mean exclusion from the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, scheduled for February 6–22.

The FFS must issue its decision within 10 weeks after a final court verdict.

However, if either party appeals the ruling, the case could go through additional rounds in court — potentially delaying the outcome by several months.

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