AIOWF secretive over election as transparency issues continue with Ferriani

The Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF) has failed to confirm the results of its Presidential election despite only incumbent Ivo Ferriani standing as a candidate.

Despite the vote taking place three days ago on November 30, during the organisation's General Assembly which was held in Lausanne, officials have been secretive on the outcome or the agenda of the meeting.

"We are coordinating the response and would send it as soon as possible," AIOWF told insidethegames, when asked about results.

The Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) held its General Assembly the day before, in an event that saw the dissolution of the umbrella body also led by Ferriani.

Following the decision, GAISF was castigated for a lack of transparency over the way in which the disbanding was handled.

Ferriani was first elected AIOWF President during an online meeting in 2020 when he replaced Gian Franco Kasper, the former President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), who retired from the position having only served half of his last term.

The 62-year-old, who also heads the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, then won a disputed election in May with transparency issues suggested once more.

The validity of the Geneva meeting was questioned by current FIS President Johan Eliasch.

Eliasch withdrew his name at the last minute but claimed that formal protocol and procedures were not followed and, therefore, the election should not have been held.

Ivo Ferriani is expected to remain as AIOWF President as he was the sole candidate in the recent electoral General Assembly, although the result has not been confirmed ©Getty Images

The election was to be conducted virtually, but allegedly Eliasch insisted the AIOWF General Assembly and election take place in-person, a request which upset several members.

AIOWF is made up of seven member federations that govern the Winter Olympic sports of biathlon, bobsleigh and skeleton, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating, and skiing.

Ferriani was a bobsleigh athlete from 1982 until 1990 and participated in the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary.

From there he moved on to coaching and management before serving as the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competition manager for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

In 2016, Ferriani was elected a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

He also served on the IOC’s Coordination Commission for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, the Sustainability and Legacy Commission, the Women in Sport Commission, as well as on the Entourage Commission.

Ferriani has been a part of the IOC’s Executive Board as the AIOWF representative since 2018.