Statement from IBU President Olle Dahlin

Statements from Olle Dahlin and the International Biathlon Union on the investigations by the Austrian authorities.

Statement Olle Dahlin:

I am totally shocked by these allegations which are completely without foundation, and I refute them all in the strongest possible terms. I will not hesitate to take any legal action necessary to uphold my good name and reputation. The fact that media were made aware before I received any formal notification of the investigation clearly suggests there is a politically motivated campaign to damage my reputation.

While I deny wrongdoing of any kind, I will ensure my total cooperation and have complete confidence that the investigation will find I have no case to answer.

Since becoming President of the IBU in 2018, I have led a comprehensive reform of the IBU’s governance ensuring that the organisation operates in line with international best practice and is subject to the independent oversight of the Biathlon Integrity Unit.

The process for the latest IBU marketing contract was implemented in full compliance with the IBU’s Integrity Code and due diligence was undertaken to ensure that it was appropriate and in accordance with industry norms. The Biathlon Integrity Unit has confirmed it does not have any evidence of wrongdoing in how this process was handled.

I have no doubt that the Austrian investigation will find this to be the case and will prove that I have acted properly and ethically as President of the IBU

Statement IBU:

The IBU is aware of the Austrian authorities’ investigation into the IBU President.

The IBU is not in a position to comment on the investigation while it remains ongoing. The IBU notes that the President strongly denies wrongdoing of any kind. The Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU), which represents the IBU as a potentially damaged party in this case, is closely monitoring the situation, however to date has not seen any substantive evidence which would sustain any unethical behavior by the IBU President.

The IBU will continue to fully cooperate with the Austrian authorities in their investigation.