The French Ski Federation (FFS) announced sanctions against Julia Simon ruling her out of the first World Cup Stage of the 2025-2026 season but allowing a participation at the Olympic Winter Games 2025-2026 Milano Cortina. The BIU examined the FFS process and sanction. The BIU is satisfied that the matter has been handled within the domestic jurisdiction of the FFS and that the sanction imposed falls within the range available under national rules.

Following the hearing of Julia Simon of 6 November 2025 and based on the federal disciplinary file, the criminal investigation, and the elements presented before the criminal court, the National Disciplinary Commission of the French Ski Federation has imposed the following sanctions against Julia Simon:

• A temporary ban of six months from participating in competitions and training sessions organized or authorized by the FFS and the IBU, five months of which are on probation;

• A fine of €30,000, €15,000 of which are on probation, to be paid within six months to the FFS and allocated to the training of young biathletes.

This decision takes effect immediately from 7 November, 2025. This rules Simon out from participating at the World Cup Season Opening in Oestersund (SWE), beginning 29 November 2025.

The right to appeal before the Federal Appeals Council is open both to the Federation and to Simon within seven days from the date of notification.

The French Federation has stated it will not be making any further comments. For more information, please head to the website of the French Ski Federation. Update 28 November 2025: The Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU) has reviewed the recent criminal judgment issued by the Court of Albertville and the disciplinary decision of the Fédération Française de Ski (FFS) concerning athlete Julia Simon. The FFS imposed a six-month ban, with five months suspended, and a financial penalty, following Ms Simon’s admission before the criminal court of credit card fraud, attempted fraud and theft.

In line with its oversight role under the IBU Integrity Code, the BIU examined the FFS process and sanction. The BIU is satisfied that the matter has been handled within the domestic jurisdiction of the FFS and that the sanction imposed falls within the range available under national rules.

The BIU will not open separate proceedings under the IBU Integrity Code on this case. It will continue to monitor any broader issues within the team environment and remains prepared to act should new information arise that engages its jurisdiction.

The BIU remains committed to ensuring all National Federations apply robust and fair disciplinary processes consistent with the standards set out in the IBU Integrity Code.