This is a day of relief. It has taken six months and we have lived in uncertainty. It has been a tough strain for all those involved, says Jan-Erik Aalbu, sports manager of the Norwegian ski jumping national team.
The riders felt that they did not know that the suits had been changed, and were therefore not prosecuted for deliberately having unauthorized suits. But according to FIS rules, the athletes have a certain responsibility to keep track of their equipment, and point out that they could have checked and questioned the adjustments made the night before the competition.
24,000 in fines
The Norwegians have now accepted that they have broken the rules, writes FIS in a press release. If the jumpers and FIS had not reached a settlement, the case could have ended up in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in the long run.
They are not satisfied with entering into a settlement. But when FIS wanted to bring charges and see new negotiations, the challenge was that it could take a very long time, says Aalbu.
The duo is also forced to pay a fine of 2,000 Swiss francs, which corresponds to approximately 24,000 kronor.
Lindvik and Forfang were conditionally suspended for three weeks during the winter, so about two months of suspension remain to be served for them. Thus, they have the opportunity to compete in the World Championship premiere at the end of November. The suspensions apply only to FIS events and not to competitions organized by the Norwegian Ski Association.
Lindvik was stripped of the silver medal he won during the World Championship after the cheating was discovered.
Want to see 18 months
Next year, a Winter Olympic Games awaits in Milano-Cortina.
I do not think this should have any significance ahead of an Olympic Games season. That's what I'm relieved about. The consequences could have been worse if we had to wait, even if they might possibly have been acquitted, says Aalbu.
Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal, Robin Pedersen and Robert Johansson were part of the World Championship team and were, like Forfang and Lindvik, temporarily suspended after the championship. They have since been acquitted.
FIS has recommended an 18-month suspension for coach Magnus Brevig, serviceman Adrian Livelten and assistant Thomas Lobben, who were directly involved in the World Championship cheating.
