The International Ski Federation (FIS) has fined skier Mikael Mikaelyan after he covered the word “Azerbaijan” on his competition suit with adhesive tape during the Tour de Ski, a major cross-country skiing event sponsored by Azerbaijan.
The incident occurred in Toblach, Italy, during one of the Tour de Ski races. In line with the sponsorship agreement, the name “Azerbaijan” appeared both on athletes’ uniforms and on large advertising boards displayed prominently throughout the competition venues.
The exact amount of the fine imposed on Mikaelyan has not been made public.
FIS’s decision to require the country’s name as part of the official uniform design has drawn criticism from within the skiing community. Norwegian skier Astrid Øyre Slind, a world champion and Ski Classics series winner, said she was surprised by the move. Speaking to the Swedish newspaper Expressen, Slind described the practice as unusual and said it raises ethical concerns regarding such sponsorship arrangements.
Sweden’s national team head coach, Anders Byström, also expressed reservations. He noted that Azerbaijan is associated with a number of controversial issues, but acknowledged that influencing the situation within the framework of the current competition is no longer possible.
In May of last year, FIS signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, making the country a title sponsor of the Tour de Ski.
In sporting terms, Mikaelyan finished 72nd in the 20-kilometer race, placing ahead of 20 competitors out of the 92 athletes who started.
