Urs Lehmann resigns as FIS CEO after less than a year, following an open conflict with controversial president Johan Eliasch.

Swiss Urs Lehmann took on the newly created role of CEO at the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in August last year. Now, less than a year later, he has resigned with immediate effect.

This was reported by the Swiss newspaper Blick.

The reason appears to be poor collaboration and significant conflicts with FIS President Johan Eliasch.

Read More: Norway calls for FIS president to be replaced

Warned of bankruptcy

Lehmann came to FIS from his position as president of the Swiss Ski Federation.

According to Blick, the Swiss national warned that FIS could face bankruptcy within two years, a statement that did not sit well with Eliasch.

“Due to the recent developments, Urs Lehmann finds himself in a crossfire ahead of the election, something he cannot be held accountable for as CEO,” said his spokesperson Lorenz Furrer to Blick.

Controversial and unpopular

Next week, the FIS Congress will take place, where the election of a president is on the agenda. Eliasch is one of the candidates.

The Swedish-British billionaire has been FIS president since 2022, but is highly controversial and viewed as both authoritarian and lacking in democratic principles.

If Eliasch is ousted as president next week, there is a strong possibility that Lehmann will return to his role as CEO.

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