Mikayel Mikayelyan Fined at Tour de Ski Over Azerbaijan Sponsor Sticker

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) imposed disciplinary sanctions on Armenian athlete Mikayel Mikayelyan during the Tour de Ski multi-stage event. The reason for the fine was that the skier covered the word “Azerbaijan” on his racing suit with tape — the country’s name is an official sponsor brand of the tournament.

FIS did not disclose the amount of the financial penalty. Mikayelyan himself also declined to comment on the motives behind his action.

The incident occurred during one of the competition stages in Toblach, Italy. It is worth noting that Azerbaijan’s sponsorship branding was widely represented at Tour de Ski: logos appeared not only on athletes’ equipment but also on numerous advertising structures along the course.

FIS’s decision to include the country’s name in the mandatory design of competition suits raised questions among other participants as well. Norwegian skier, world champion and Ski Classics series winner Astrid Øyre Slind admitted that she was surprised by the move. In a comment to the Swedish outlet Expressen, she noted that such a practice looks unusual and raises ethical concerns about such agreements.

Criticism also came from Sweden’s national team head coach Anders Byström. According to him, there are many controversial issues surrounding Azerbaijan, but it is no longer possible to influence the situation within the framework of the current competition.

It should be recalled that in May of last year, FIS signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan.

As for the sporting result, Mikayel Mikayelyan finished in 72nd place, ahead of 20 athletes out of the 92 who started the 20 km race.